Homeschooling 101: What is unschooling?

How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the experiment of living? -- Henry David Thoreau

What is unschooling?
Unschooling, a term coined by the late John Holt, is a system of education that doesn't embrace rigid guidelines, rules, or methods.  Some people describe it as child-led learning, because the essence of unschooling involves an individual following his or her interests, curiosities, and passions. 

While some unschoolers naturally find the style of learning that suits them is more loose and free than a traditional curriculum, others happily embrace schedules and timelines for themselves.  The distinction isn’t so much between structure and lack of structure, but rather that the form is chosen by the learner.  It is one of the great beauties of unschooling that each individual’s learning environment can reflect his or her needs and interests.  There is no single way to unschool. 

Another basic tenet of unschooling is the belief that the desire to learn is an intrinsic part of being human, and that children can be trusted to direct and structure their learning in a productive, beneficial way.

What do unschoolers do?
The simplest answer to this question is: they live life.  In this embrace of daily living, learning activities abound.  The happiest and most successful unschoolers settle into a flow of life that allows for learning all the time. The emphasis is on quality of life and learning, pursuing dreams, discovering who we are, and what our passions are. In this way, learning is imbued with meaning, significance, and connection. 

What is a typical day like?
Every day looks different for each unschooler.  But here are a couple of examples:  a five-year-old wakes, has breakfast with her family, often pitching in with the cooking, having responsibility for cracking eggs or stirring oatmeal, then spends the morning in free play with older or younger siblings, building structures, pretending, looking at books, then attends a rehearsal of a singing group the entire family participates in, spends some time being read to, goes to the park, eats dinner with her family.  All through the day she feels free to ask questions about what makes her curious, whether it be how to spell a certain word or trying to understand the significance of song lyrics she is singing. Another day may be spent on a trip to a museum, or at a playgroup, or on a nature hike. A nine-year-old boy may spend time reading and writing on his own, or working with numbers, or building things—whatever he may be passionately interested in.  He might also take music lessons, get together with friends, participate in classes, or study math with other homeschoolers or by himself.  A teenage unschooler may have a job, or do volunteer work, becoming a responsible part of the adult world. The prime directives in each case are curiosity, personal growth, enjoyment of life, and love of learning.

Does unschooling mean I let my kids do whatever they want?
Parenting and unschooling are separate.  When we unschool, we do not cease to be parents.  We still love, guide, and care for our children.  Unschoolers can do chores, have bedtimes, and participate in family life based on the values and expectations of their families.  Unschooling may influence parenting decisions, but it does not mean relinquishing our responsibilities as parents.  On the contrary, it is a way of being actively involved with our children, knowing them well, and developing strong relationships with them.

What about academics?
Unschooling involves trusting our children and their innate ability and desire to learn.  It is not based on the belief that certain subjects are required in order to lead a full life.  Reading, writing, and arithmetic are learned when each child is ready, at his or her own pace.  Often, they are connected to the child’s life in a meaningful way.  For example, books chosen freely reflect what the child cares about, be it nature, numbers, fantasy, or poetry.  Rather than assigned essay topics, pieces of writing can be letters to loved ones, creative stories and poems, commentaries on issues that spark emotion, or articles about a budding interest.  Math becomes part of the world, something used in cooking, measuring, financial affairs, building, and other real life ventures.  Since unschoolers are not part of a school system, there is no need to subscribe to a schedule for learning.  They are free to learn reading, writing, math, science, and history at the pace that feels right to them.  If an individual finds textbooks or formal classes to be a useful tool, he or she may choose to make use of them and still be unschooling.

How do I know my child is learning?
This goes back to trusting the child and believing in the child’s natural desire and ability to learn.  Creating product and using evaluation to measure knowledge and ability is not part of the unschooling philosophy.  However, the astute parent and observer can see evidence of learning in any unschooler’s life.  Learning cannot be stopped.  Be open to your child’s cues, provide an environment that allows questioning and exploration, and enjoy what happens.  Academic subjects can be absorbed quickly when one is interested in them.  Talk to other unschooling parents and listen to their stories, and watch unschooling children.  Don’t ask for proof of knowledge, but pay attention to what is happening in these children’s lives.  Often the question “How Do I Know My Child Is Learning?” really means, “How Do I Know My Child Is Learning What Society Says He/She Is Supposed To?”  If you feel stuck on this question, examine what your fears and anxieties really are.  This will help in whatever parenting or schooling choices you make.

Can unschoolers go to college?
Yes. Unschoolers have the same opportunity to apply to universities as anyone else. They will often be asked for a portfolio, essays, recommendations, transcripts (if any classes at community colleges or at the local high school have been taken), and standardized test results.  As more and more children educated outside of schools choose to enter college, it has become clear that homeschooling and unschooling are not obstacles.

When do I stop unschooling?
Never.  Unschooling is a way of life.  We can all be unschoolers, regardless of our age or educational background.  One of the great rewards of unschooling for parents is reclaiming learning for ourselves.  The freedom to learn is a gift we can all enjoy.

More information:

Unschooling and John Holt

What Is Unschooling? on www.holtgws.com

What Is Unschooling? by Earl Stevens

What Is Unschooling? by Karen M. Gibson

What Is Unschooling? by Luz Shosie

What Is Unschooling? by Michelle Gaut

What Is Unschooling? by Jenney Cheever

Unschooling High School and College

Unschoolers in College

Unschooling and Trust