What is Unschooling?

First of all, unschooling has no set definition. There are no unschooling instructions, no right or wrong ways of unschooling, and no particular goals.

However, this does not mean unschooling is unstructured. Children who are unschooled have daily routines, chores, etc, just like any other child. The difference is that they do not have academic lessons. They do not usually take tests or follow a homeschooling curriculum, although these materials are available to any parent who wishes to use them.

Unschooling is a form of homeschooling. It takes place in the home and wherever else the family goes. Unschooling is about experiencing life as it comes.

Children naturally seek knowledge. No, they do not usually enjoy textbooks, workbooks, tests, and long periods of sitting passively at a desk. Who does? Just because they do not take kindly to the way schools impart knowledge, or even to the particular things being taught, does not mean they don't enjoy learning. Children do want to know how things work, to experience nature, to play music or draw if their interests dictate, and are generally curious about the world around them.

This is what unschooling is. It means allowing the child to pursue knowledge however he or she sees fit. It means trusting that the child will pursue that knowledge and will learn all he or she needs to know.

A well-known saying goes like this: "Everything I need to know, I learned in Kindergarten." It illustrates how important the early years of a child's life are. A young child is naturally inquisitive. But when the child goes to school, this is smashed down, discouraged, and frowned upon in favor of the school's curriculum, tests, and activities.

Unschooling keeps children's natural curiosity alive. Children do not have to learn to read the way they do in school. Just seeing others read, write, use a computer, play together, etc, is enough to peak their curiosity so they want to do the same.

Unschooling is natural, child-lead, discovery-based learning. It's also legal and meets all state requirements. Parents who wish to learn more about unschooling can read the work of Charlotte Mason and others. There may even be an unschooling support group in your area, or you can start one of your own. Basically, unschoolers recognize that learning can happen at any time, in any place. The children of unschooling parents even go to college when they want to.

Unschooling is not the radical, anarchist, illegal, and truant practice some believe it to be. Instead, it is a valid, vibrant way for children to discover and live life naturally.