Unschooling is an alternative form of education that emphasizes child-led learning and exploration. Unlike traditional schooling, unschooling allows children to pursue their own interests at their own pace, without a structured curriculum or set schedule. Here are the top 10 things you need to know about unschooling.
1. Unschooling is not “un-education”
While it may seem like unschoolers are simply letting their children run wild with no direction or guidance, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Unschooling still involves plenty of learning – it’s just that the learning happens in a more natural way that aligns with each child’s unique strengths and passions.
2. Unschoolers don’t follow a curriculum
Traditional schools require students to learn certain subjects within specific timeframes, often using textbooks and standardized tests as benchmarks for progress. In contrast, unschoolers have the freedom to explore any topic they’re interested in, using whatever resources they choose – books, videos, online courses, museums visits – without worrying about meeting predetermined goals or standards.
3. Parents play a supportive role in unschooling
While unschooled children have more control over what they learn and how they learn it than their traditionally-schooled counterparts do, parents still play an important role in facilitating this process. Rather than being teachers who impart knowledge onto their kids through lectures and assignments, parents act as guides who help their children find resources and opportunities for pursuing their interests.
4. Unschooling can take many forms
There’s no one right way to do unschooling; different families approach it in different ways depending on factors like age of the child(ren), family lifestyle considerations such as finances or work schedules which may affect the ability for parents to support full-time home-based education model etc., access to community resources (libraries/classes/museums) among others.
5. Freedom doesn’t mean complete lack of structure
While unschoolers have more control over their own learning, they still need some structure in order to be successful. This might mean setting aside specific times for certain activities or regularly reviewing progress towards goals.
6. Unschooling is not just for young children
Although unschooling is often associated with younger children who haven’t yet started formal schooling, it can also work well for older kids and even adults who want to pursue self-directed learning opportunities.
7. Unschooling requires trust and openness
Unschooling can be challenging for parents who are used to traditional models of education where there is a set curriculum and clear benchmarks for success. In order to make unschooling work, parents must trust their child’s innate desire to learn and remain open to the idea that their child may take an unanticipated path towards acquiring knowledge.
8. Socialization is important in unschooling
One common misconception about unschooling is that it leaves kids isolated from social interactions with other peers – this couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, many unschooled kids participate in group activities like sports teams, music lessons, book clubs etc., or attend co-ops or classes offered by local homeschool groups.
9. Unschoolers can go on to college (or not)
Contrary to popular belief, being homeschooled – including through an unconventional model such as unschooling – doesn’t preclude someone from pursuing higher education if they so choose. While it’s true that some colleges have stricter admission requirements than others when it comes to homeschool transcripts or testing scores etc., many institutions now accept homeschool diplomas as equivalent qualifications without any additional hoops required.
10. Success looks different in unschooling
Success in traditional schools typically means good grades, high test scores and graduation rates; but success under an alternative educational model like unschooling may look quite different. For instance, success can mean finding a passion, developing a skill or talent, making meaningful connections with others, or simply being happy and fulfilled in one’s own life.
In conclusion, unschooling is an alternative educational model that empowers children to take control of their own learning by exploring their interests at their own pace without following any preset curriculum. While it may not work for everyone – especially those who prefer more structured approaches to education – unschooling can be a great fit for families who value freedom and flexibility in the pursuit of knowledge.
Alternative Amie 
Leave a comment