Are you an unschooler? Whether you took the quiz and know you are, or are interested in learning more information, today we are going to talk a bit about this homeschool style and what it might look like. The primary vision of unschooling is: Child Led Learning. There is radical unschooling and not-so-radical unschooling, which can make it difficult for the rest of the world to figure out exactly what it is. Some people have a horrible opinion of unschooling because they have seen people take it to a place they are not comfortable with. Maybe you have seen or heard of unschoolers who do absolutely nothing. Their kids are in their PJ’s all day (um, I’ve been guilty of that a few times) playing video games and watching TV and the rest of the world assumes that that is what unschooling is. But the reality is, that is really far from the truth of what most unschoolers do.
What might the unschooling homeschool style look like?
You might wake up in the morning and over breakfast get talking about airplanes. So after breakfast, you look up airplanes on the computer and decide to try to make your own model airplane. On your way out to get supplies you might stop by the library to pick up some books about it so that you can learn how to put it together and the aerodynamics that will effect the design. True unschoolers often use curriculum, they just aren’t a slave to it. They use it when their children are interested in it, they buy curriculum based on their children’s interests, sometimes they will bring their children with them to curriculum fairs to choose whatever they want!
I have been blessed to know a few unschoolers in my time, who have been gracious enough to write here and share what a day might look like for them. I can tell you about the philosphy, or I can send you there to see for yourself some examples that speak more than mere words.
- A day in the life with Erin.
- What is unschooling?
- Do unschoolers use curriculum?
- Why we chose to unschool.
Has it dispelled some of your misconceptions about this homeschool style? It is an amazing style in which your child truly is able to own their education. They remember what they learn because they CHOSE to learn it. Learning becomes a way of life, not a chore they have to complete. But in some ways, it can be more work. You have to be present every day, physically but also mentally, waiting for those opportunities for discussion and learning and making them happen! Pin this image for later and let’s talk!
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Are you an unschooler or do you want to be? What is your favorite aspect of this homeschool style? Comment below!
Make sure you go back and take the homeschool style quiz if you haven’t already, and take the time to read about each of the homeschool styles. The more we can become aware of the focus of each style, the more we will find what resonates the most with us, and sometimes that is fluid and changing!
