I used to think the idea of unschooling was utterly ridiculous. Schooling without a structured curriculum or a teacher guiding the way? Really? I was skeptical about its effectiveness — until I met a man named Jason who had been unschooled. He worked as a fisheries scientist and told me he and his siblings had taught themselves to read using Charles Dickens within just weeks at the age of ten. “We were tired of our mom reading to us all the time,” he shared. With her support, they chose what and how to learn. And guess what? He turned out just fine.
Since the onset of COVID-19, my children have faced significant stress, which disrupted our typical, laid-back homeschooling routine. Initially, I thought we were simply taking a break. Gradually, I recognized that we were transitioning into an unschooling approach. They were absorbing knowledge, but not through the conventional methods I had previously outlined with textbooks and lesson plans.
What is Unschooling?
Unschooling is a homeschooling philosophy that prioritizes a child’s interests rather than adhering to a strict academic curriculum. It emphasizes child-led learning instead of adult-directed teaching. The premise is simple: children are more eager to learn when it’s connected to their passions.
Given the opportunity, my kids engage in activities that are educationally enriching. For instance, my sons are voracious readers across various subjects, from history to fiction. They enjoy intricate board games that incorporate math, and they pose insightful questions that lead to in-depth discussions. Recently, one question about why clouds float sparked a lengthy meteorological conversation. If we don’t know an answer, we just look it up online.
In essence, unschooling allows children to pursue their interests actively. My middle son is fascinated by amphibians, so we provide him with books on toads, including advanced texts that he eagerly devours. My oldest son has a keen interest in Bigfoot. We offer him resources on cryptids, and he not only reads them but shares his insights with us. When he wanted to learn about Ancient Greece, we supplied him with books and LEGOs to recreate historical battle scenes and temples dedicated to the goddess Athena. After exploring Moby Dick, he even created a LEGO model of Captain Ahab and the white whale, showcasing his creativity and comprehension.
This doesn’t imply we don’t offer guidance. We encourage them to watch documentaries, participate in live chats with scientists, and listen to us read literature. Unschooling means they can follow their own learning paths, while we facilitate their exploration.
Benefits of Unschooling
At this moment, unschooling has alleviated a lot of pressure from my children. Freed from the burdens of “formal” schooling, they seem more relaxed, which is crucial during these trying times. This educational approach allows them to pursue their passions, fostering a genuine enthusiasm for learning. They delve deep into subjects that intrigue them, maintaining their excitement about education — or, as I prefer to call it, “life learning.” They’re less inclined to plead for screen time, and when one of them does, the others readily suggest more engaging alternatives.
According to ThoughtCo, children are more likely to retain information they learn independently. They also nurture their innate talents and often exhibit stronger self-motivation. For instance, my eldest, who has dysgraphia, has found that using the Facebook Messenger Kids app helps him write accurately, enhancing his keyboard skills — tools that will benefit him for years to come.
Will We Continue Unschooling?
I’m uncertain how much of our unschooling practice we will maintain after the pandemic. I foresee us keeping some elements, like reading, science, and social studies. I might incorporate structured writing tasks, such as having them write to pen pals or share their reading experiences. I do anticipate returning to more formal instruction in math and grammar, as the absence of both makes me anxious.
I also believe that for long-term unschooling to remain effective, my kids may need more structure than we currently have. As noted by ThoughtCo, unschooling families often integrate a lot of inherent structure into their routines, which we lack right now. While my children thrive in a relaxed environment, we aim to preserve this comfort during challenging times.
Overall, unschooling has been effective for us during this period. I keep track of our activities, honestly linking them to the educational subjects they encompass. Unschooling is not only feasible but also effective. Children naturally want to learn, and when given the opportunity, they will. I’ve always held that belief, and it’s reaffirmed in my home every day.
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Summary
The pandemic has transformed my approach to homeschooling into a more relaxed, unschooling method that prioritizes my children’s interests. This shift has reduced their stress and enhanced their enthusiasm for learning. Although I’m uncertain about the future of this approach, it’s been a positive experience that fosters independence and self-motivation.
Keyphrase: Unschooled Learning
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