I read an article about unschooling today, and from what I read, as well as from the heated comments that followed, I think there a lot of misconceptions about what unschooling means. I would like to share my thoughts for anyone who is interested.
We have textbooks that we use when we are "homeschooling." I sit down with the kids and we read the books, talk about the ideas, then do whatever activity I feel is related to the subject. Obviously, with math, we do math drills. With history, we might act out certain historical events or quiz each other on names, dates or places. With science, we usually find a way to set something on fire.
"Unschooling" occurs in a much different way. Usually, my kids will ask a question about something they have seen or heard about, and we start talking and doing research, and it slowly evolves into a lesson. If you asked them, they would have no idea they were learning or "schooling." It is just another part of our day.
So when Grandma asks, "What are you learning in school?" my kids will reply, "Nothing."
But if you spend a day with my kids, you'd find they are always learning, always questioning and always creating something new. They are full of dreams and ideas, business plans, floor plans, life plans, stories, books, movies and some really good jokes. They look forward to the excitement and adventure of going to college, rather than dreading the idea of four more years of school.
Homeschooling is not for everyone, and if I felt my children were not learning, or if I had to start working, I would put them in school. I think there are many ways to educate children, and every family has to make their own choice about what is right for them. And one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is to respect the choices that others make, even if those choices are different from their own.
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Well, I happened upon your blog as I was leaving my blog and though it may be Mom-centric, I hope you don't mind a Dad poking in. This topic is an important one. There is such a misconception about homeschooling and unschooling. My 3 year old daughter and I do subjects, but we also investigate those questions that she asks that can guide her through a learning process that she's not really aware of. Many family members are worried I may "homeschool" her (laugh).
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired you to teach your children at home and do you get many questions from other parents (like this) (smile)?
My primary reason for homeschooling is that I feel the stress of "going to school" actually discourages children from true learning. Not enough sleep, social pressures and massive quantities of homework combine to make school and learning something to dread, instead of an experience to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I get questions and comments from everyone! The most common thing people tell me is that they think it's great, but, "I could never do that!" I always emphasize that I don't ring a school bell and stand there with a pointer teaching all day. I have a basic curriculum that I work from, but I am very casual in my approach.
Well, I couldn't agree more that going to "public" school places many unneccesary stresses on children. As I talk with many other parents though, there is an expressed fear and misunderstanding about teaching children at home. The most common comment is that they want their children to be socialized. We haven't made a decision at this point, but my wife and I have been teaching and guiding my daughter at home and she loves it!
ReplyDeleteWhat determines the subjects you choose for them to study?
BTW-I would love to link our blogs, if that's something you're interested in. Check mine out and let me know. Thanks for blogging.
http://www.thenewparent.blogspot.com/
You really know how to get me thinking! I would love to link to your blog. I have already read some of it and was showing it to my husband last night. I will write a post on socialization this week. I did post on the books that I like to use, the books from the Core Knowledge Series. My daughters are in the other room "playing school" with them right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I enjoy your blog very much. I've put a link to yours on mine. Stop by and chat.
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking about some of the ways parents I've talked to think about schooling at home and may also post about it (as a sympathetic outsider). It truly seems to me the sensible thing to teach children in a loving environment. So, I remain open and very interested in learning more.