What is “unschooling”?
You may have heard this term while flipping over homeschooling resources. Maybe you’ve heard whispers about it being some sort of educational rebellion or anti-school movement, or maybe you’ve heard wondrous things about it being a philosophy cultivating natural curiosity and motivation in kids. Whatever it is, it has stirred up confusion and anxiety for some for sure. Now let me break it down for you to share some facts and debunk a few myths.
History of the Unschooling Movement
“Unschooling” is a term coined by American educator John Holt in the 1970s. It is sometimes known as self-directed learning, child-led learning, interest-based learning, passion-based learning, etc. As a elementary school teacher in the 1950s, Holt observed children’s learning behaviors and challenges in the classrooms and noticed the discrepancies between learning and teaching. He argued that coercive teaching in the school system did not always lead to learning. He recorded his observations in his books, How Children Fail (1964) and How Children Learn (1967), and founded the homeschooling newsletter Growing Without Schooling to advocate for homeschooling. It was seen as the start of the unschooling movement.
His peer and colleague, Patrick Farenga, put it this way, “I broadly define unschooling as allowing your children as much freedom to explore the world around them in their own ways as you can comfortably bear; I see unschooling in the light of partnership, not in the light of the dominance of a child’s wishes over a parents’ or vice versa.”
In simpler words, unschooling is a child-focus approach to learning. Set aside parental agendas. Follow a child’s interest. Provide support and resources needed. Observe, communicate, help, and repeat.
What Unschooling Is:
- Freedom to Explore
Unschooling is about giving kids the freedom to explore their passions and interests in ways that traditional schooling often can’t. Whether it’s diving deep into marine biology or mastering the art of storytelling through improv theater, unschooling allows children to follow their curiosity wherever it leads. Going down rabbit holes often lead to new discoveries. With the abundant time and resources lying around, kids are not limited by rigid curriculum and packed schedules. Imagine your kid’s face lighting up when they discover that math isn’t just numbers on a page but a tool for building their dream tree house! Only the sky is the limit. - Learning Through Living
Forget the four walls of a classroom—unschooling thrives on real-life experiences. From calculating the best deals at the grocery store to conducting science experiments in the kitchen, from observing plant growth in the garden to mapping stars from the night sky, every moment becomes an opportunity to learn something new. Who knew that baking cookies could teach fractions and chemistry simultaneously? Bonus points for delicious results! - Nurturing Lifelong Love of Learning
Curiosity didn’t kill the cat–it made it a lifelong learner! Kids are naturally curious. When they want to know something, they ask questions and seek answers like a tiger hunting for a rabbit. They love diving into subjects that ignite their passions. Any newfound knowledge conveniently stays with them. Unschooling gives kids the freedom and time to think about what and why they want to learn. They are encouraged to question anything, any time. When your child starts asking why the sky is blue or how bees communicate, you know unschooling is working its magic. There are never any dull moments or silly questions in an unschooling household. - Personalized Education
One size doesn’t fit all in unschooling. It’s about recognizing that every child learns differently and tailoring education to fit their unique style, pace, and interests. Whether they thrive on hands-on projects or prefer diving into books, unschooling adapts to meet their needs. Kids take charge of their own learning. From astronomy enthusiasts to budding artists, unschooling celebrates the diversity of learning styles. Every learning opportunity is meaningful to the child, not just random facts and trivia given by authority figures. They own their learning. - Parent-Child Partnership
Unschooling isn’t just for kids—it’s a journey for parents too. It’s about being co-learners and cheerleaders in your child’s educational adventure. From exploring museums to tinkering with robotics, parents play a crucial role in supporting their children’s interests and fostering a love for lifelong learning. Who says learning stops when you become a parent? With unschooling, it’s just the beginning of a shared adventure. Buckle up, you’re about to unlearn and relearn everything again. Ask questions to each other and share what you’ve learned. Kids love it when parents show a genuine interest in what they love. - Cultivating Self-Worth, Confidence, and Understanding
Unschooling kids are self-motivated. They look into their own hearts and identify their loves and needs. They search for answers whenever they want to know something, not because somebody asks them to. They know what they like and dislike, and what they are good and bad at. They take lead in driving their own learning experiences and speak up when they need help. Learning about themselves is just as important as learning about the world to unschoolers. They are empowered to seek the truth.
What Unschooling Isn’t:
- Chaos in Disguise
Contrary to popular belief, unschooling isn’t a chaotic free-for-all where kids run wild and learn nothing. It’s a thoughtful approach to education that values autonomy within a structured framework of support and guidance. It’s about empowering children to take charge of their learning while providing the necessary tools and resources to thrive. Learning takes place in many different forms and can happen with or without structure. While textbooks, curriculum, homework, and classes are not necessary, they can be useful resources to support more advanced learning. Think of unschooling as organized freedom—where curiosity leads the way and parents provide the map. - Lazy Parenting
Unschooling isn’t about parents lounging on the couch while kids fend for themselves. It’s active and engaged parenting, where parents play an integral role in guiding their children’s educational journey. From facilitating learning opportunities to offering encouragement and support, unschooling requires dedication and commitment from parents. Communication and observation are keys to success when parents put their agendas aside and really look into what the kids need. Who knew being a learning facilitator could be so rewarding? Unschooled parents wear many hats—and they wear them proudly. - Anti-Education, Anti-School
Schooling is not the same as learning. It is an institution to teach, instruct, and convey knowledge. Education, on the other hand, usually refers to how one receives knowledge, usually under formal teaching and instructions. Far from rejecting education, unschooling redefines it. It’s about embracing learning in all its forms—whether it’s through books, hands-on experiences, or meaningful conversations. Unschooling encourages children to explore their interests deeply and develop a lifelong love for learning that extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. It looks at each kid as unique individuals and provides the most suitable kind of education for each. Who says education has to fit into a box? With unschooling, the world becomes your classroom. - Anti-Social
Unschooling isn’t anti-social—it’s a vibrant community of like-minded families, educators, and learners. From local meet-ups to online forums, from daily interactions with neighbors to asking librarians for assistance, unschooling families come together to share resources, ideas, and adventures in learning. It’s about building connections, forging friendships, and supporting each other on this educational journey. Joining an unschooling community is like discovering a treasure trove of support and inspiration. Who knew learning could be this social? - Escaping Responsibilities
Unschooling isn’t about ignoring the future and downplaying responsibilities—it’s about preparing children for a world where adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking are invaluable skills. By nurturing their passions, fostering independence, and encouraging self-directed learning, unschooling equips children with the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience. With unschooling, the future isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace with excitement and curiosity.
Why Should You Consider Unschooling?
So there you have it—unveiling the magic of unschooling while clearing up some common misconceptions. Whether you’re considering this path for your family or simply curious about alternative education options, remember that learning is a journey best taken with joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of curiosity. Embrace the freedom to explore, celebrate the power of curiosity, and redefine education on your terms.
Why should you consider unschooling, you ask? It’s one of the most natural, basic ways to learn. Human beings are naturally curious. They want to learn things about their world. They ask questions when they don’t understand something. They make predictions based on what they know and observe. They test their hypotheses to consolidate their theories and knowledge. To simply put it, it’s the way to survival. Unschooling is all about preserving this intrinsic curiosity and fostering lifelong learners. Wherever you are, as long as you stay curious, you learn, and you shall survive. Wouldn’t you want to preserve this spark of flame in your child?