What is the difference between homeschooling and unschooling, 6 Types of Unschooling: Choosing the Right Path for Your Family
First, let me explain what the philosophy behind unschooling is:
Unschooling is an educational philosophy and approach that emphasizes self-directed learning and individualized education. It is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and motivated to learn, and that they learn best when they are allowed to pursue their own interests and passions. Unschooling does not follow a set curriculum or traditional classroom structure, and instead encourages children to learn through real-life experiences, exploration, and play. Parents or caregivers act as facilitators, providing resources and support for their child's learning journey. Unschooling also values the importance of freedom, creativity, and critical thinking in education.
To start unschooling, it is important to first understand and embrace the philosophy behind it. This may involve reading books, I recommend starting with John Holt, articles, and blogs about unschooling, and connecting with other unschooling families for support and guidance. It is also important to involve your child in the decision-making process and to respect their interests and learning style.
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What is the Difference Between Unschooling and Radical Unschooling?
Unschooling is focused primarily on education, whereas Radical Unschooling encompasses all areas of life.
Unschooling is based on the philosophy that children learn best at their own pace, by following their own interests, unencumbered by rigid structure or curriculum. Unschoolers strive to provide children with a supportive setting that encourages their natural curiosity and allows them to learn free of preconceived expectations. They are allowed to follow their interests and passions, and the adults in their lives support them in bringing opportunities to the child as the child shows interest.
Radical unschooling leans more towards a whole life unschooling standard that goes beyond education and takes things a step further by extending the unschooling philosophy into all areas of life.
Radical unschoolers often approach their relationships with their children as more of a partnership, and attempts to limit or eliminate the authoritative figure in relationships and extends autonomy into all areas of life. Because of this, Radical Unschooling is often considered the more extreme version of unschooling.
Is Eclectic or Interest Led Learning the Same as Unschooling?
Eclectic homeschooling is a term used when creating a customized education by mixing and matching a variety of homeschooling resources and/or styles. Therefore, Eclectic homeschooling can also utilize unschooling, and vice versa, to some degree.
Many homeschooling families will find that what worked well one semester, may not work as well the next. Eclectic homeschooling is a personalized approach for each child based on their strengths, interest and stages of development. They may choose to move in and out of an unschooling approach as needs and preferences change. As a result, the eclectic approach will look completely different for each family, and may or may not include some degree of unschooling.
What is WildSchooling?
Wildschooling is an educational movement designed to honor our innate bond with nature. It is considered a progressive parenting philosophy which encourages the creativity, curiosity, and joy that children naturally express.
Wildschooling takes much of it’s inspiration from a wide-range of sources and philosophies, including (but not limited) to: Forest School, Earth Schooling, Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, The Reggio Emilia Approach, Self-Reg, permaculture, peaceful parenting, unschooling, indigenous knowledge and traditions, and most importantly of course, time spent Nature itself, we absolutely love this unschooling approach.
What is Nature Schooling?
Nature schooling returns children to the outdoors, where they are encouraged to forge their own path of learning. Nature Schooling (also called forest schooling) supports the belief that nature is the best teacher and that child-led, play-driven time spent outdoors is the best way for children to learn and grow.
Nature schooling returns children to the outdoors where they are encouraged to form their own path of learning in the great outdoors.
What is a Radical Unschooler?
Radical unschooling embraces the belief that children possess an inner wisdom far beyond what modern society gives them credit for. Radical unschooling extends the philosophy of unschooling into all aspects of daily life, not just with regard to education.
It involves trusting and partnering with our children, with parents acting as guides and facilitators, helping children to connect with their inner wisdom and intuition.
Radical Unschoolers prefer to work with their children to help them live in a balanced and healthy way, not only in regard to academics, but also in ordinary day to day activities. They tend to follow a rhythm throughout their day as opposed to a set schedule, and instead of imposing authoritative limits often give their children more freedom in choosing things for themselves, such as bed time, clothing choices, etc.
It is important to note that unschooling is not “unparenting”. Parents who intentionally choose the radical unschooling lifestyle are extremely involved, aware, and intentional. Radical Unschooling is not allowing children to raise themselves amongst chaos, although it may sometimes appear that way to a judgmental outside eye at first glance
World Schooling vs Unschooling-whats the difference?
World Schooling is education that occurs through travel, unschooling is an approach to education that involves organic learning, or learning that happens through experience.
Many World Schoolers travel full-time from place to place, seeking out hands-on educational opportunities along the way. Some choose to unschool their children while others prefer to follow a set curriculum.
World schoolers vary in their approach greatly and what works for one family may not always work for another family.
Some practical ways to start unschooling include:
How to Start unschooling
Play a lot of games.
Connection is the top priority.
Look for the learning that's hiding in their activities.
Don't skip the deschooling.
Create an individualized cozy nest.
Remember that learning lasts forever.
spend as much time as possible outdoors
1. Encourage your child's interests: Observe what your child is naturally drawn to and provide resources and opportunities for them to explore and learn more about it. This could include books, videos, classes, or hands-on experiences.
2. Create a supportive learning environment: Make sure your home is filled with resources and materials that your child can use to learn and explore. This could include books, like Jules Verne, Tom Sawyer, Call of the Wild, just to name a few, art supplies, science kits, and more.
3. Go on field trips and outings: Take advantage of your local community and plan field trips to museums, parks, and other places that align with your child's interests. This allows for hands-on learning and real-life experiences.
4. Encourage independent learning: Give your child the freedom to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. This could involve setting up a designated learning space or providing them with resources to pursue their interests on their own.
5. Embrace a flexible schedule: Unschooling does not follow a strict schedule or set hours of learning. Allow your child to learn at their own pace and follow their
Unschooling teenagers refers to the practice of allowing children to direct their own education and learning experiences, rather than following a traditional school curriculum. This approach is based on the belief that children are capable of taking responsibility for their own education and learning, and that they will be more engaged and motivated when they have control over their own learning.
Take a peek at my other blog about homeschooling https://www.lazyhomeschoolmom.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-resources
If we aren't traveling, the boys have their little "home office" set up, with mountain view!
Unschooling teenagers involves providing them with resources, support, and guidance, but ultimately allowing them to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. This can include pursuing their interests, participating in community activities and classes, and engaging in real-world experiences such as internships or apprenticeships.
One of our favourite website we use for courses is https://www.udemy.com and outschool and you might be surprised, but Harvard offers free online courses.
Some parents who unschool their teenagers may also incorporate elements of self-directed learning, where the teenager sets their own goals and creates a plan for achieving them. This can involve setting up a schedule, seeking out resources and mentors, and reflecting on their progress.This is the approach we currently follow, but the beauty of homeschooling is, we can change whenever and whatever works best for us, and for you!
We travel a lot, and on these travels we try to learn about culture, history and architecture, museums can be found online with discounts online, or provide family discounts.
Unschooling teenagers can be a challenging and unconventional approach to education, and don't forget to take time to de school first, more about de-school in my previous blog, but it can also be a rewarding and effective way for teenagers to learn and grow. It allows them to develop critical thinking skills, self-motivation, and a love for learning that can serve them well in their future endeavors.
Isn"t this Wood Log Cabin amazing? Our fall unschooling project.
The boys have spend so much time and effort building this, and let me tell you, everything tastes better in the wild outdoors, Chili cooked on a wood fire, nothing beats it.
This is what Unschooling teenagers looks like in the Austrian Alps.
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