Unschooling and Entrepreneurship:Stacey Piercey

February 27, 2020

Stacey Piercey has been an entrepreneur for over 15 years and a homeschool parent to 3 boys for over a decade. She is also the creator of Kids2Market, a program that teaches kids from ages 6-17 how to start a business with an idea they are passionate about.

Stacey learned about unschooling even before she had kids. While teaching at a University in China, she met a 9 year old self directed learner that captured her attention. His name was Matt. Matt and his mom moved to China for work. At the time Matt was not yet reading, could not tell time and could not write. But he would build the most fascinating structures out of any material. And he spoke 3 different dialects of Chinese. His life had none of the influences of the traditional education system and its conceived beliefs. He was immersed in life learning.

Fast forward a few years to when Stacey starts her own family. She remembers her friend Matt. She and her husband agree to unschool.

Unschooling and Entrepreneurship

Have you ever noticed that many unschoolers become entrepreneurs? Or that many entrepreneurs are choosing to unschool?

In this episode Stacey and I delve into the parallels between unschooling and entrepreneurship. We discuss the skills needed in entrepreneurship and how they are the same skills that unschoolers utilize in their daily lives. Skills like perseverance, resiliency, motivation, and critical thinking. We also explore how the harder parts of unschooling can reflect entrepreneurship. The uncertainty, the peaks and valleys, the steep learning curves and the need for trust.

Do you have an interest in unschooling or supporting the entrepreneurial spirit? If so, then this is the episode for you.

Why is trust and self advocacy important in self directed learning?

Is there a common path that self directed learners follow?

What is the best way to support your child through unschooling? (hint~starting with the WHY)

Societal norms and expectations around learning

What if my child is a late reader?

How to best communicate with teachers if your unschooler decides to go to school

Why Kids2Market, her entrepreneurial program for kids helps them see that anything is possible

Her advice to parents that are just starting out on the self directing learning path

Definitions

If you are new to the podcast or the world of homeschooling or unschooling, here is a definition from this episode;

Strewing

In the Early Childhood world they use a similar term. An “Invitation to Learning”. It is adding to or enriching your child’s learning environment by scattering resources, items, books, materials to their space. Strewing invites or entices them to find out more.