A Guide To Unschooling

Unschooling (a term coined by John Holt) differs from other forms of homeschooling in that it's not directed by a teacher or a curriculum. Parents who unschool their children provide a wide range of resources and support and believe that learning happens all the time and does not require coercion. Unschooling isn't a method, it is a way of looking at children and at life. It is based on trust that parents and children will find the paths that work best for them - without depending on educational institutions or "experts" to tell them what to do.

"Unschooling doesn't mean not learning - it means learning without the trappings of school. Its not unlearning or uneducating. Its only unschooling - it points out a contrast in approaches to learning. My unschooled kids are learning as much or more than their schooled friends" - Pam Sorooshian

"Birds fly, fish swim, man thinks and learns. Therefore, we do not need to motivate children into learning by wheedling, bribing or bullying. We do not need to keep picking away at their minds to make sure they are learning. What we need to do, and all we need to do, is bring as much of the world as we can into the school and classroom (in our case, into their lives); give children as much help and guidance as they ask for; listen respectfully when they feel like talking; and then get out of the way. We can trust them to do the rest." - John Holt's "How Children Learn"

We'll gladly exchange links to other unschooling/homeschooling lens in the lensroll. Let us know if you'd like to in the comment section. Thanks!

**Please note: Lens owner has no control over google ad types and does not endorse the use of curriculum in unschooling**

Unschooling Books

A list of books that may give you a better understanding of unschooling.

Homeschooling Our Children Unschooling Ourselves

by Alison McKee

Amazon Price: $18.00 (as of 07/19/2008)
Used Price: $12.67

The Unschooling Handbook : How to Use the Whole World As Your Child's Classroom

by Mary Griffith

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/19/2008)
Used Price: $6.24

How Children Learn (Classics in Child Development)

by John Holt

Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 07/19/2008)
Used Price: $4.60

How Children Fail (Classics in Child Development)

by John Holt

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/19/2008)
Used Price: $4.89

Learning All The Time

by John Holt

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/19/2008)
Used Price: $3.89

What Unschooling Is, And Isn't

by Joanne Greco

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 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

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A Guide To Unschooling

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Unschooling Books

A list of books that may give you a better understanding of unschooling.

What Unschooling Is, And Isn't

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