I once thought the idea of unschooling was utterly absurd. Learning without a structured curriculum or guidance from a teacher? It seemed improbable. My perspective shifted dramatically after meeting a successful adult who had been unschooled. Employed as a fisheries scientist, he revealed that he and his siblings had taught themselves to read using the works of Charles Dickens by age ten. “We got tired of mom reading to us,” he shared. Hours of reading had laid the foundation, but they chose their own subjects and methods of learning.
Fast forward to today, and with the stress of COVID-19 weighing heavily on my children, our usual relaxed homeschooling routine has faltered. Initially, I thought we were simply taking a break, but I gradually recognized that we were, in fact, engaging in unschooling. My kids were learning abundantly, albeit outside the confines of a predetermined curriculum filled with textbooks and lesson plans.
What Does Unschooling Entail?
Unschooling represents a form of homeschooling that prioritizes a child’s individual interests over a rigid academic framework. This philosophy rests on the belief that children are more motivated to learn when they can explore topics that fascinate them.
Left to their own devices, my children gravitate towards a variety of educational activities. For instance, my sons eagerly read on topics ranging from history to science and fiction. They engage in complex board games that incorporate mathematics and frequently pose thought-provoking questions—like “Why do clouds float?”—that lead to lengthy discussions (Google often helps fill in the gaps if we don’t know the answer).
Essentially, unschooling is about children taking an active role in their education. My middle son, for example, has a fascination with amphibians; we provide him with books on toads, and he rapidly consumes even college-level material. My eldest son is captivated by the legend of Bigfoot; we offer him resources on cryptids aimed at adults, and he not only reads them but explains the concepts to us. He studies maps to pinpoint where Bigfoot might be found, and when he wanted to learn about Ancient Greece, we supported his interests with books and LEGOs to create battle scenes and temples dedicated to Athena.
Recently, after I read him an excerpt from an adult version of Moby Dick, he became so intrigued that he constructed a LEGO model depicting Ahab, Ishmael, and the white whale, complete with Ahab’s wooden leg.
This doesn’t mean we abandon guidance entirely. We encourage our children to watch documentaries, participate in virtual chats with wildlife experts (a plethora of which are available during the pandemic), and enjoy shared reading experiences. I sometimes invite my youngest to read alongside me. Unschooling allows them to dictate their learning paths, with our support steering their discoveries.
Advantages of Unschooling for Our Children
Currently, unschooling has alleviated much of the pressure on my children. They no longer feel the weight of “formal” schooling, which has fostered a more relaxed environment—especially crucial during these stressful times. The unschooling approach empowers them to pursue their passions, leading to a heightened excitement for learning and a deeper exploration of their chosen subjects. Their enthusiasm for “schooling”—which I prefer to call “learning,” as it seamlessly integrates into life—has notably decreased their desire for screen time. When one child does express a wish for tablet or TV time, the others readily suggest alternative activities.
As highlighted by ThoughtCo, children are more likely to retain information when they learn autonomously. They also develop their natural talents and show greater self-motivation. For instance, my eldest, who faces challenges with dysgraphia, has benefitted from the predictive text feature in the Facebook Messenger Kids app, aiding him in writing accurately and mastering the keyboard—a skill that will serve him well throughout life.
Will We Continue Unschooling Post-Pandemic?
I’m uncertain how much of this unschooling approach we will maintain once the pandemic subsides and life returns to normal. I foresee us keeping elements of our reading, science, social studies, and even writing practices—perhaps integrating structured tasks like using the Messenger app for communication or encouraging them to write letters to pen pals. This might lead to a balanced blend of unschooling in writing, especially since I value good writing as a writer myself. However, I do anticipate reintroducing more formal math and grammar instruction, as their absence makes me uneasy.
Moreover, I believe my children may require more structure if we adopt this method long-term. Families that practice unschooling often have inherent structures in place, which we currently lack. Nonetheless, the relaxed atmosphere we’ve cultivated seems to provide comfort during these trying times.
In summary, unschooling has proven effective for us thus far. I document our activities in my planning books, honestly correlating their pursuits with the subjects they’re expected to learn. Unschooling is not only feasible; it’s a testament to the innate desire children have to learn when given the opportunity. This belief is reinforced daily in our household.
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Summary:
The pandemic has shifted my family’s educational approach from structured homeschooling to unschooling, allowing my children to pursue their interests and learn autonomously. This method has resulted in reduced stress and increased motivation for learning, while still providing guidance from us as parents. We document our experiences and see the value in this flexible approach, although future structure may still be needed as we return to normalcy.