Unschooling came naturally for my little ones and actually for me, too, in my children’s younger years. There is always so much to do and see for young ones and they soak their world up like a sponge. Whether it was from books, the library, their endless questions that we took the time to answer in depth, or from good ol’ Legos…they were learning from their world around them and I felt good about it. I think a lot of traditional homeschooling families understand what I’m talking about here, because learning in the world outside of curriculum is a wonderful benefit of our homeschooling; but as they grew older, our anxiety would start to settle in.
Are they learning enough? Are they ever going to read? Are they going to ever learn math?
These questions and more loomed over my husband and I all the time, but we clung on to what we knew about how children learn best…and that is simply to let them learn by seeking out what they want to learn! Our children are educating themselves according to their own interests, covering various topics, and find learning enjoyable.
letting go of taking the reins in their learning is a lot easier said than done.
It isn’t easy to change what we’ve always done, but a very important process to being all we can be, is to be able to dissect into what we’ve always done and challenge it! Put some purpose on what we believe to be true.
So, when I would anxiously notice that one of my children wanted to play blocks instead of going over the alphabet, play PS3 instead of reaching for a book, or when one of my children still hadn’t a desire to read at age 9, I would remember why we were devoted to child-led learning in the first place, which is to let them find true learning without the interference of me...me teaching them what I thought they should know, regardless if they were interested or not. When I would feel fear, I would journal all that they were learning, loving, and passionate about, and these things were endless! I would pray for continued direction, and I would remember to fall in love with the journey, living and learning. Just like in parenting where quick-fix doesn’t work for the long-haul, unschooling is all in the journey as well. There is so much to do in the world that is full of learning. What do they want to learn? Find out each day. What do they want to do? Explore, live together, learn together…unschooling is about learning without fear.
Punished by Rewards 
and Teach Your Own
were awesome books that were just the remedy when I would feel anxious. These books always kept me in perspective since I was going against mainstream. Not to mention deschooling myself was something I knew I needed to do, first, before ever approaching my children with my fears, in which I failed miserably at several times in our homeschooling life. But, I consider that all apart of the deschooling process, and it doesn’t take long before you see the amazing learning that goes on all without any prompting!
and Teach Your Own were awesome books that were just the remedy when I would feel anxious. These books always kept me in perspective since I was going against mainstream. Not to mention deschooling myself was something I knew I needed to do, first, before ever approaching my children with my fears, in which I failed miserably at several times in our homeschooling life. But, I consider that all apart of the deschooling process, and it doesn’t take long before you see the amazing learning that goes on all without any prompting!As long as we don’t squelch their love for learning, they will never stop, learning. The world is full of it and the main goal I have with my children is to always seek out answers for their questions and learn about this wonderful world God made. I have seen with my children that they view learning as apart of life and is as natural as breathing; and it is to be enjoyed…
Thanks, Jenny, I will get reading first.
: )
Jessa,
I think the first step, is to rid your fear. And you can start by reading the books, Punished by Rewards and Teach Your Own. You will find these books to be very enlightening and supportive.
We do have a t.v. and watch it in moderation. We are not in any activities unless they are passionate about it and there is a need for it. My daughter (who is now eighteen) loved horses. We gave her all the lessons she needed to obtain her life goals. She is now an independent horse trainer and doing what she loves.
She did this all without structured learning, tests, or being in a plethora of activities. She is also getting an associates degree in business to further her knowledge in owning a business and getting great grades. My other 6 children all are doing the same thing…
Have fun just living and learning together in your days together. Once your children know that it is for real that they are in charge of their learning, they will surprise you!
I hope this helps…read those wonderful books, let me know what you think and let me know how else I can help!
Jenny
Jenny, I would love to hear how a typical week/month of unschooling goes in your family. How your kids learn language arts and math, etc. I worry if mine aren't getting systematic lessons…and don't know how to trust that they'll learn enough to make it in this world or get into college if they desire. Do you have TV in your home? I'm pretty sure one of my children would want to do nothing but watch TV. Do you feel you are working like crazy to provide learning experiences? I cannot afford lessons of any kind- what percentage do you think lessons play in your kids' learning? I would sincerely like to 'hear' your thoughts. I couldn't find a way to email you privately, but would love your feedback.
It's so true when just starting out in homeschooing…sometimes our fears just get in the way of real learning!
You'll enjoy those books…they really open your eyes!
Just wanted to say thanks for taking part in the blog hop. I had heard so much about unschooling but never really read up on it. I know have just about every book I could find from Alfie Kohn and John T. Gatto on reserve at the Library! You've been an instrument in getting my brain working in this direction! Thank you! You can read about my observations at my blog!
http://homeschoolhoop-la.blogspot.com/