How to Unschool: 15+ Important Tips for You to Start Unschooling
Today’s article will answer all your questions about how to unschool!
Do you find yourself wishing for more freedom with your child’s education?
Does the traditional homeschooling style that mirrors “regular school” not quite fit for you?
You’re in the right place!
Keep reading to learn about this unique and open-ended homeschooling style and figure out everything you need to know about how to unschool.
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All About How to Unschool
Unschooling is such a popular homeschooling style, but how do you actually do it?!
Today I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to unschool. like why you should start with deschooling, customizing learning experiences for your kids, and how exploring your child’s interests can lead to many amazing learning opportunities with unschooling!
Related: 100+ Amazing Unschooling Supplies for All Ages
Related: ALL Homeschool Styles Mega List: 27 Amazing Ways to Homeschool!
Related: Homeschool Lesson Plan Template: 10 Important Things for Your First Day Homeschooling
1. How to Unschool: Start with Deschooling
Deschooling sets the stage for successful unschooling by helping everyone reset their understanding of what ‘education’ means.
This time allows you and your child to step away from structured education norms, exploring interest-driven learning freely.
Related: How to Deschool in 4 Easy Steps: A Helpful Beginner’s Guide
Deschooling is a time that lets everyone get ready for a great homeschool learning experience that can be more laid-back and follows what your children are really interested in.
2. How to Unschool: Identify Your Child’s Interests
Take note of what sparks joy and curiosity in your child!
These interests will be your guide to where you’ll take their educational journey.
This can help make sure your kids are engaged with your homeschool learning time, and can (hopefully) even create a lifelong love of learning for the whole family.
3. How to Unschool: Create an Enriched Learning Environment
Use unschooling to change your home into a learning playground. 🎉
From a cozy reading spot to a science experiment lab, create spaces that reflect and nurture your child’s interests.
Related: 11 Easy Ways to Do Homeschool Enrichment for Gifted Children
Encourage exploration and provide resources that support their learning, whether it’s through books, online courses or hands-on activities.
4. How to Unschool: Encourage Curiosity and Inquiry
Curiosity is the heart of unschooling. 💞
Try to cultivate an environment where questions are welcomed, and every search for an answer is an adventure.
Focus more on the learning journey instead of just the outcome, and really cheer on your kid to dive deep into what they’re into!
5. How to Unschool: Socializing
Contrary to popular belief, unschooling does not mean isolation.
In fact, it actually gives your homeschoolers opportunities for socialization that’s meaningful and authentic.
Encourage your child to participate in community activities, join a club or group related to their interests, and interact with people from all walks of life.
6. How to Unschool: Integrate Learning into Daily Life
Life is the biggest classroom. ☀
Show your child the learning opportunities in daily activities and conversations, making education a constant, natural part of life.
7. How to Unschool: Taking Advantage of Community Resources
Your local community is ripe with educational treasures.
Check out what libraries, museums, and workshops can offer to add depth to your child’s learning.
You’d be surprised at how much this can expose them to new ideas, cultures, and interests!
8. How to Unschool: Document and Celebrate Learning
Keep a record of your child’s projects, questions, and discoveries.
Celebrating these milestones encourages ongoing enthusiasm for learning and growth.
You could simply take pictures a few times a week or regularly jot your favorite memories down in a journal.
Or you might choose to go big and collect dated momentos in a binder or make an instagram account dedicated to documenting daily memories.
9. How to Unschool: Support Self-Directed Learning
Bit by bit, let your kid start calling the shots in their learning journey, picking out what they want to learn and thinking over how they’re doing.
It’s a great way to boost their self-confidence and get them to stand on their own two feet.
Encourage them to set goals, plan their own projects, and take responsibility for their learning.
10. How to Unschool: Embrace a Flexible Schedule
The key to unschooling is the flexibility to follow your child’s interests.
Structuring your days loosely allows for deep dives into topics of interest.
How dreamy does that sound?!
11. How to Unschool: Open Communication
Regular talks about upcoming learning, possible field trips, and your kid’s interests create a supportive atmosphere.
This is so important because it shows that you value your child’s voice and empower them to take part in the choices you make for their education.
12. How to Unschool: Network with Other Unschoolers
Connecting with other unschooling families provides much needed support as you navigate this new homeschooling style.
As you build your network, you may find inspiration and companionship for both you and your child on this unique educational path.
13. How to Unschool: Be Open to Changing Your Approach
Unschooling is fluid, meaning you can always change your approach as what you’re exploring changes.
You might sense it’s time to switch things up starts to become disinterested, or extremely interested, in what you’ve been exploring lately.
This helps make sure their education remains relevant and engaging. 👏
14. How to Unschool: Embrace Failure as Learning Opportunities
In traditional schooling, failure is often seen as a bad thing.
But with unschooling, it’s celebrated as an chance for growth and learning.
Encourage your child to try new things and make mistakes, emphasizing that failures are a natural part of the learning process.
Help them reflect on their failures and guide them towards finding solutions or alternative approaches. 🥰
15. How to Unschool: Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
In unschooling, the learning process is just as valuable as the end result. 💕
Encourage your child to enjoy learning through exploring and discovery rather than only focusing on achieving a specific outcome or goal.
16. How to Unschool: Trust the Process and Enjoy the Journey
I’ve perhaps saved the most important tip for last!
Trust the process. Enjoy the journey. 💗
Always believe in the natural curiosity and its ability to lead your child’s learning.
Don’t forget to enjoy the freedom and joy of unschooling, celebrating the unique educational adventure your family gets to go on together.
That’s Everything You Need to Know About How to Unschool!
I hope you feel confident with all you’ve learned about how to unschool in this article!
Don’t forget to keep your lines of communication open, connect with other unschoolers, tweak your approach as needed, enjoy the ride, and trust the process! ✅
Stick to these key points, and you and your kids will going to rock this unconventional, yet awesome, educational journey!
Before You Go, Comment Below!
How are you feeling about starting your unschooling journey now?
Leave a comment below and let’s start our own little unschooling network right here!
For everything homeschool, we can PlanIt! ♥
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