Traditional schooling operates on a set of beliefs whose errors have long been exposed. Its teaching is based on outmoded and ineffective concepts of the teaching-learning process. The reason for the failure of the traditional education system is, ironically, that uses "schooling." Children learn, not from schooling, but from living. And for them, living means playing.
This was compiled from many of the wise voices of a great internet list called The Unschooling List. A great basic primer on the concept of unschooling.
Share successes and ideas and build a helpful, welcoming archive for the new unschoolers, the newly-unschooling, and the nicely unschooling.
This list is a place where parents can come to understand and give value to our creative children as we home/unschool with them. The focus will be on discussing alternative ways (versus public school methods) to help our creative children learn which best suits their learning style and respects their complex personality traits, taking a look at creating a success-based learning environment that draws on the strengths of our creative learners while providing support-based opportunities to gently guide their intense natures.
Abandoning the institution of school and taking a natural learning approach is really a paradigm shift. Most people will not understand that natural learning does not involve children following a curriculum, taking exams, being socialised (through peers), using textbooks, etc. At best they will think that you are a bit daring, slightly unusual, experimenters.... at worst they will think that you are dangerous, putting your kids at risk or should be reported.... How can you show them that natural learning is OK?
What is the difference between unschooling and homeschooling? At one time they were just two terms for the same thing, so the question was like asking what the difference is between a car and an automobile. Today, homeschooling has remained a generic term while unschooling has come to refer to a specific type of homeschooling. So now the question is like asking what the difference is between a Ferrari and a car. Just what is it about unschooling that differentiates it from other types of homeschooling enough to warrant its own term?
Unschooling is a word coined by negating the idea of schooling; it starts off with a negative definition. What, specifically, is it about schools that unschoolers want to do without?
This discussion list is the companion communications forum for the Unschooling.com website.
What does unschooling look like? Why do people unschool? This seasoned unschooler offers the encouragement to simply give unschooling a try, especially if your homeschooling attempts have proven to be unsuccessful or stressful.
What makes for a good education? It turns out that sometimes the best education comes from simply allowing a child to follow his or her interests and passions. A rich and interesting life lead to a child learning in a way that's important to them.
Do Christian "natural learners" ("unschoolers") have a world view the same as other Christians? Some of them will, but not all.
It has been argued that since John Holt was not a Christian, Christians cannot be unschoolers. A Christian mother discusses her perspective on unschooling.
This group is an announcement list for the print magazine Live Free Learn Free, a forum for unschoolers and relaxed homeschoolers in which to share ideas and experiences.
this list is a forum for former unschoolers and homeschoolers of any religious, philosophical or political persuasion. Discuss your 'unconventional' upbringing and the ways in which it's shaped your life. What was your experience? Do you plan to home/unschool your children? How are you living now? How are you continuing to learn?
Alternative Montana Unschoolers is a support group for Montana homeschoolers who are using alternative methods of education.
A look at unschooling as a philosophy of life from an African-American perspective.
John Taylor Gatto looks at alternatives to our present standard educational model.
Great Falls Unschoolers is an inclusive online support group for homeschoolers who are unschooling in the Great Falls area.
The Western Region Unschoolers is a group for unschoolers who live in the Western U.S. covering: Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California. This is a forum to announce and organize conferences, travel, camping, and other places to get together.
This child-led learning group is for those unschoolers who are also Christians.
African American Unschoolers email group is for African-American homeschoolers who use the whole world as their child(ren)'s classroom.
Unschooling is the process of learning in freedom. This site supports those efforts, with books, resources, articles, and lots of great information for families interested in self-directed learning or unschooling. With helpful ideas and resources to let your child learn outside of a school environment and be successful and joyful.
This message board is designed for unschooling parents to connect, ask questions, share information and ideas, and get support.