The Top 5 questions that I get asked about homeschooling and unschooling
Not sure what the term ‘Unschooling’ really means or how it differs from traditional homeschool? Are you uncertain how kids can actually learn if life looks nothing like the traditional schooling structure? Would you love to homeschool or unschool but you just don’t know how you can afford it? Would you love to homeschool but your life partner is not on the same page? What do you do then?
These are questions that I receive often from listeners of the podcast. Questions and fears are natural, especially if you are creating a life of your own design that doesn’t follow the normal routine of others around you.
As much as I try to address these questions in interviews with my guests, there are times when it seems best to answer them directly. Which is what I am doing with this episode. So grab a cup of your choice and listen in on the top 5 questions that I receive on homeschooling and unschooling. Throughout the episode I reference many others, including past episodes and resources. All of those I have included at the bottom of this page.
Question 1: What is unschooling?
The major difference between unschooling and traditional homeschooling starts with how you approach learning. In unschooling the learner drives the learning. Unschooling focuses on the learners interests, passions and curiosity. Freedom and self direction are at the core. Unschooling operates with the faith that children are naturally curious.
In traditional schooling the teacher and curriculum control what students learn. Home replicates the classroom. The parent becomes the teacher and learning is broken down into scheduled subjects and times. The parent can assign tests or school work.
Question 2: Why did we move from traditional homeschooling to unschooling?
Our transition was a natural progression. We chose to homeschool because it gave us the easiest flexibility when we decided to travel with our kids. We had no idea we would love homeschooling as much as travelling.
Once we started travelling, we noticed that our kids were actively learning all day long. We became very aware of the fact that their curiosity was constantly lit and they didn’t seem to lack when we scheduled less “schoolwork” and gave more and more room for their interests and for free PLAY.
Limitations Of A Structured Curriculum
There were other limitations that arose when we were following the curriculum and assignments. Our kids were very interest driven but I was still imposing certain “mandates”. And I only gave these mandates because the curriculum required it.
I go into greater detail in the episode, but my son began to question why he had to learn a certain topic when he had absolutely no interest in it. He was already devoting his time to things that held greater interest to him and he could already demonstrate that he had met the general outcomes. Our idea of learning had begun to shift and this no longer worked for us. Why stamp out the fire of curiosity? Why assign certain books and texts to read when your child already reads more in a day than a classroom does in a week or even month?
Question 3: If we unschool how do we know if our children are actually learning?
This is a big one, isn’t it? We are conditioned to measuring learning through tests, grade levels, assignments and report cards. When the environment our kids grow up in operates differently from school as we know it, it can get hard for us to wrap our heads around how and when they are learning. But let me ask you this; before your kids attend school, are they learning? Have they learned how to walk, speak or do things like put on their shoes, tie their laces, look both ways before crossing the street or play with your phone? Learning is part of everyday life.
I get it, it can get difficult to change this belief that learning happens in the classroom. Who are we to challenge the professionals? Or the curriculum? By age 7 your child should be able to (fill in the blank). At age 12 every child should be able to… decipher and decode the meaning of this certain text. By this grade level your child should know (fill in the blank). If you are not following the standard school curriculum, learning and its timelines can look very different. So how do you know what they are learning?
Why Conversation Is Important
Conversation is a large part of our learning, reflection and understanding in home education. Does your child go on and on about a specific topic? Encourage that, please don’t tell them to stop talking. Ask questions, engage with them about it. This may be your child’s way of sharing what they know and understand. Or do they spend countless hours building, playing or pursuing another project? Can you ask them more about it? Or get them to show you what they are creating and explain it to you? Before you ask them to stop spending so much time on this focus and do a math worksheet or assignment instead, think about what they are creating and how they can share this with you.
If you need to map or document your child’s learning for record keeping and legal purposes, I share specific examples in this episode. I use the example of my son and how I correlate his interests to specific learning outcomes and subjects. If you have an interest to learn more about this, please let me know.
Question 4: How do parents afford to stay home and homeschool or unschool?
This can be the final decider for many that would like to home educate. You have to be able to support yourself and your family. We all need food on the table, a roof over our head and clothes to wear. How to do this is a decision unique to each family.
In this digital age there are many more avenues available today.
*We can work from home and create a flexible schedule
*Run businesses online
*Create micro schools and other learning environments that not only supplement income but also create a space for your child to learn.
I give examples of past guests on the show that work from home and homeschool or that have built micro schools or alternative programs that their children are part of, or have created a family lifestyle like Worldschooling where they can travel, work and homeschool. You can find these links at the bottom of the page.
Question 5: What happens when you want to homeschool but your spouse or partner is not on the same page?
Many times when we fear something, it’s because we have a lack of information and knowledge or misinformation. How can we better share this with our child’s parent? Before we take on the mission of converting a spouse, partner or parent of your child to unschooling or homeschooling please, stop. Wait. Ask questions. Give a little time. Is this really about homeschooling or is this about something else?
The Real Questions To Ask
What is the real fear around homeschooling or unschooling? Does the word “unschooling” just sound a little too radical for a more conservative person? Does this person have strongly held beliefs and convictions around school and how learning takes place? Do they come from a family where academic standards are held in high esteem? Do they want their children to have what they felt they may have missed? Are they concerned about financial well being and having both parents working?
Having a clearer understanding of where their fears and opposition is coming from may help you to provide the right information. Or, it may allow for more open conversation. In this episode I share the story of my own personal experience with my husband.
There are many factors to consider when a person may raise an objection to homeschooling or unschooling. Can we create a space where they feel safe to relay their concerns and fears? A space where they will feel heard? I hope that it is reciprocated. When it is your own excitement, fears and concerns can be heard. Then you may be able to move forward on this natural learning journey together.
What did you think about the top 5 questions about homeschooling and unschooling that I receive? Do you need more explanation on a few things? If you do, write me and let me know. If there are other top 5 questions that you have about homeschooling and unschooling, let me know those too!
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Resources For Parents ~ http://imhomeschooling.com/homeschool-resources/
Support me through Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids
Pat Farenga~ https://www.johnholtgws.com/pat-farengas-blog/
John Holt~ Website https://www.johnholtgws.com/
Examples of How Families Support Themselves While Homeschooling
Leah Mcdermott~ http://www.yournaturallearner.com/
Rachel Rainbolt~ http://www.sageparenting.com/shop/
MicroSchool Builders Facebook Group~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/622539617933686/
MicroSchool Builders Website
