I used to find the idea of unschooling completely absurd. A learning approach without a structured curriculum or teacher oversight? Really? I believed that unschooling was an ineffective method—until I encountered a successful adult who had been unschooled. He worked as a fisheries scientist and shared that he and his siblings had taught themselves to read using Charles Dickens when he was just ten years old. “We got tired of our mom reading to us all the time,” he recalled. With her support, they chose their learning paths and thrived.
Given the unique stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family found it increasingly difficult to maintain our usual laid-back homeschooling routine. Initially, I thought we were simply taking a break from formal education. Gradually, it became evident that we had transitioned into unschooling. My children were still learning—just not in a conventional sense with textbooks or pre-planned lessons.
What Exactly is Unschooling?
Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that emphasizes a child’s interests rather than adhering to a traditional academic curriculum. It promotes child-led exploration rather than adult-directed instruction. The principle behind this approach is that children are more eager to learn when they engage with topics that fascinate them.
In our household, my kids naturally gravitate towards activities that are inherently educational. For example, my sons are avid readers, diving into subjects ranging from history to science to literature. They enjoy complex board games that require mathematical thinking and often pose intriguing questions that lead to lengthy discussions (“Why do clouds float?” sparked an extensive meteorological debate recently). When we encounter something we don’t know, we simply look it up online.
Unschooling fosters an environment where children follow their inherent interests. For instance, my middle son has a keen fascination with amphibians, so we provide him with books on toads. He eagerly consumes college-level texts and can identify nearly indistinguishable species. Meanwhile, my oldest son is intrigued by Bigfoot; we supply him with adult-level materials about cryptids. He reads extensively, maps potential Bigfoot habitats, and even builds LEGOs to recreate historical battle scenes or temples dedicated to ancient deities.
Recently, his interest in Moby Dick led him to create a LEGO model of Captain Ahab, complete with a wooden leg, after I read him excerpts from the adult version.
While we allow them to choose their learning paths, we still offer guidance. We encourage them to watch documentaries, participate in live chats with zoos and scientists (which are plentiful during the pandemic), and we read literature together—sometimes even beautiful prose like Craig Childers’ writings about deserts. In this way, unschooling allows children to take the lead while we provide the necessary support.
The Advantages of Unschooling
Unschooling has significantly reduced the pressure our children feel. Without the constraints of “formal” schooling, they experience a more relaxed environment—especially crucial during these challenging times. This method enables them to pursue their passions, fostering excitement about learning and encouraging deep dives into topics of interest. As a result, they remain engaged in their education, often preferring educational activities over screen time.
As noted by ThoughtCo, children are more likely to retain information that they learn autonomously. Moreover, they develop their natural talents and demonstrate increased self-motivation. For example, our oldest son, who deals with dysgraphia, has benefited from using predictive text features on apps like Messenger, aiding his writing skills and enhancing his keyboard proficiency.
Will We Continue Unschooling?
It’s uncertain how much of this unschooling approach we will maintain once the pandemic subsides and we return to normal life. I envision keeping elements of it, particularly in reading, science, and social studies. I plan to introduce structured writing tasks, like letter exchanges with pen pals, to ensure they develop writing skills. Mathematics and grammar will likely return to a more traditional format, as I find the lack of both concerning.
While unschooling is working well for us now, I recognize that my children may need more structure in the long run. Many unschooling families incorporate various forms of structure, which we currently lack. However, for now, creating a comfortable learning environment is our priority during this trying time.
I document their activities in my planning books, honestly noting how their interests align with educational subjects. Unschooling is a viable option—it is achievable. Children have a natural desire to learn, and when given the opportunity, they will flourish. This belief is reinforced in my home daily.
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Summary
The pandemic has forced many families to rethink traditional education, leading to a shift from structured homeschooling to a more relaxed unschooling approach. This method allows children to learn based on their interests, fostering a love for education and reducing stress. While the future of this approach remains uncertain, many families find success in blending unschooling with structured learning.
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