Unschooling is a movement in education. Basically, it can be seen as learning without school. Although unschooling may be considered a form of homeschooling, it differs from most homeschooling in that unschooling does not try to recreate the school environment at home.

Unschooling lets the child control his or her own education and learning. Instead of forcing the child to learn certain material in a certain way, unschooling consists of letting the child learn naturally on their own. Usually, this is done without a curriculum, without formal classes, and without teachers, but a child can use any of those resources if and when the child wants.

The unschooling philosophy is based in part on the belief that children are naturally curious and inquisitive. Children want to learn, and they do it best when left to explore their own curiosity.

Unschoolers often believe that schools hinder the natural learning process. In a school, the environment is too rigid and unnatural for children to learn at their best. Additionally, children are often not interested in what is being taught, since they have no choice in the matter. Having an unwanted “education” shoved down their throats turns the kids off to learning. Because children don’t like school, they stop wanting to learn at all when forced to go to school.

A major problem with mainstream schools is that they can only offer a standardized, one-size-fits-all education. This does not respect the fact that children do not all learn the same. Children have different learning styles, and also have different interests and needs. In contrast to mainstream schools, unschoolers keep their children at home and allow them to explore their own individual interests in a way that they want.

While unschooling, the children like learning, and they have fun while learning. For example, a child might see a bug that interests them and the child may then want to go inside and look up information about that bug. An older child who is interested in computers might ask for a kit that would allow him or her to build a computer at home.

Since the children are following their own interests and desires, the child learns what they will want to know. For example, that child who built the computer as a kid may grow up to be a computer engineer. Had the child gone to mainstream school, the child would not have gotten the chance to explore his or her own particular interests at such an early age, and would have instead been forced to “learn” a standardized education.

Not everyone thinks unschooling is better than mainstream, standardized education. At the very least, now you know what unschooling is and some of the reasons unschoolers prefer it.



Thanks to Scott Hughes for contributing this article to our Homeschooling blog:

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Can you answer MommaBear4474’s question about Homeschooling?:

I am starting to home-school my six year old this year and want to make sure I am following the laws in Texas. I know “unschooling” is a form of homeschooling and there is not a law against it, but I need to know how to go about “unschooling” when according to TX laws, a written curriculum must be followed. How does one accomplish this?

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Can you answer Look For Da Sun’s question about Homeschooling?:

I am looking at a school with an unschooling philosophy. It isn’t true unschooling, but very close. There are no classes, and the teachers are more like guiders who help you with whatever you want. Can you tell me about your experiences with unschooling? Did you go to college?

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The idea that children learn best when given freedom in choosing their curriculum and control over how they learn is growing among progressive home educators. Instead of forcing their children to slog through what amounts to the same five courses year in and year out, they are able to pursue alternative learning opportunities as their curiosity leads them.

Unschooling is a unique form of home education that is arguably older than home education itself. Due to technological advances like internet browsing, podcasting, and cyberschooling, this radical learning system is being embraced by progressive home educators all over the country. Unschooling is gaining popularity across demographics. It’s embraced by upper and lower classes, a variety of races, and a surprising range of religious beliefs.

Not all educators are sold on the idea. Some feel that students need more structure to motivate them to learn. Many teachers believe that sometimes parents just have to pull in the reigns and force their children to study things that they don’t necessarily want to study. Unschooling parents respond by claiming that students who are able to specialize in specific areas of interest are not only happier students, but will eventually have more to offer society. They believe that the public school system is structured so that all graduates come out looking, talking, thinking, feeling, and acting the same. Not so with unschooling home education. These parents often encourage their children to go against the grain, whatever that grain may be.

Home educators are encouraged to read more about unschooling at the Ashland City Times.



Thanks to Mimi Rothschild for contributing this article to our Homeschooling blog:

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Can you answer Succor’s question about Homeschooling?:

I am interested in unschooling–learning without a curriculum.
I desire to know about the laws regarding unschooling in the state of California. Can you tell me where I can find this information?

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