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How to start unschooling
Do you find yourself trapped in the monotonous routine of traditional schooling? Does the thought of another day in a classroom filled with rules and expectations make you feel suffocated? If so, you're not alone. Many teens struggle to find their place in a system that often feels more like a prison than a place of learning.
Unschooling may sound like a radical idea, but it's a path worth exploring if you crave freedom and autonomy in your education. Unschooling isn't about ditching learning; it's about embracing a different approach—one that puts you in the driver's seat of your own education.
Imagine a world where you're not bound by rigid schedules or forced to memorize facts that hold little relevance to your life. Instead, unschooling encourages you to pursue your passions and interests, to learn through experience rather than textbooks. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, guided by your curiosity and innate desire to learn.
But how do you start unschooling? It begins with a shift in mindset. Embrace the idea that learning happens everywhere, not just within the four walls of a classroom. Look for opportunities to explore subjects that ignite your curiosity, whether it's through reading books, watching documentaries, or engaging in hands-on projects.
Connect with like-minded individuals who support your decision to unschool. Seek guidance from mentors who can help you navigate this unconventional path and provide resources to facilitate your learning journey. Remember, you're not alone in this; there's a whole community of unschoolers who understand and support your quest for educational freedom.
As you embark on your unschooling journey, be prepared for challenges and setbacks. Not everyone will understand or approve of your choice to opt out of traditional schooling. Stay resilient and trust in your ability to take control of your education and create a life aligned with your values and aspirations.
So, if you're ready to reclaim your passion for learning and break free from the confines of traditional schooling, consider giving unschooling a chance. It's a journey filled with challenges and rewards, but one that ultimately empowers you to take ownership of your education and live life on your own terms.
Here are the comments of some unschoolers:
On Finding This Life by Tammy (author of Deschooling Gently: A Step by Step Guide to Fearless Homeschooling) - I found that one of the typical approaches of natural learners, or unschoolers, is to allow children to learn at their own pace, and with their own style. What does that look like? Completely impossible to say, because there are so many variables involved, such as learning styles, individual preferences, experience, age, where one lives, how many siblings one has, self-esteem, etc.
Life learning - no school required - I trust my child in many ways – why not trust him to learn what he needs and wants to learn? Why not trust that it is natural to want to be a part of the life in which we belong – and learning is a constant in life. As with other ‘big’ decisions I have made, once I realized unschooling was an option, I just took it on as the way things are.
On Being Ready - If I think that a skill is critical and must be learned, then we are stuck and can not move forward, when moving forward might be just what we need to do. What if moving forward actually gives him the reason to learn the critical skill? Or what if putting it aside lets him have the time to mature to where he can grasp it?
Unschooling Unconsidered - I didn't want to inflict school on [my kids] at home. I had hated almost every minute of my own K-12 school years. I wanted to be their ally, not their prison-guard. I wanted to make them cookies and listen to them when they got home. But of course, it wasn't that easy.
Where to next? Pick one!
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Posted in: Blog, Guides, Knowledgebase on April 22, 2024 @ 4:10 AM
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