Unschooling

Unschooling isn't so much a method, as it is a way of looking at learning. It's seeing the learning in everything...yes, everything. It's more than just dropping the curriculum, although that's an excellent place to start. It's changing the way you, as the parent view learning and education.

It isn't leaving your children to find their own way. It isn't brushing them off and doing your own thing while they're off on their own trying to make sense of the world.

Unschooling is being a present and mindful parent. It's spending time with your children, being involved in their world and inviting them into yours. It makes me stay on top of my own game and be an interesting parent. Gone are the days where a teacher used to fill that role.

Unschooling my children is enabling me to see that learning is everywhere. The more they are out of school, the more I see the curiosity and spark in their eyes. It shows me to see that learning is fun and enjoyable. Learning is not filling in a bubble on a test. Learning is not being told to memorize a bunch of facts that they could very easily find, in a matter of minutes, on line or in a book.

It has allowed me to see that their interests and passions are valid and important. It allows me to see them...for all they are at this moment, and all they can become.

I've been unschooling my children since 2004 and I can't imagine living any other way. My unschooled children don't view learning as something they "have" to do to pass a test. To them, it's just part of life. They learn about space and horses and forensics because they find it interesting, not because of a grade. Unschooling doesn't look like school. It's REAL learning in the REAL world!

Unschooling my children has shown me that life really is for living and exploring and singing and creating and discovering and trying and doing and being.

© 2007 Joanne Greco