Does Unschooling Work?
Does unschooling work? I guess the answer to that question depends on what we mean by the word ‘work’. Where do we hope unschooling will lead?
When parents are investigating unschooling, they probably want to know if unschooling works. This is sensible. We can’t set out on along a pathway, especially an alternative one if we haven’t got any idea of what’s ahead.
So what questions will a parent ask? What will reassure them that unschooling is the right thing to do? I’m guessing that many people want to know if their children will get a good education if they’re unschooled. Will they be able to get into university? Will they have a high chance of getting a secure job that will set them up for life? And although unschooling kids are quite capable of getting into university and having successful careers, I think there is more to education than a safe well-paying job.
We also want our kids to become people who care about others, who will be full of love and compassion, who know right from wrong. We want to have good relationships with our children, feel connected to them, have them want to be part of our lives. We’d like them to have the opportunity to develop their talents and then use them to do important work, work that will affect others. Do something that will make a difference to the world.
We want our kids to become the people they are meant to be and fulfil their missions in life. And this is what unschooling is really all about.
Does unschooling work? Yes.
I have a lot more to say about this topic in my latest podcast, episode 124: Does Unschooling Work?
This week, I’m also talking about:
My fabulous Patreon patrons and the work I hope to do with their help
Camp NaNoWriMo
How kids learn new things when they have a need
How younger siblings think they are just as capable as their older siblings
How sorting out a problem isn’t always as difficult as it seems
A new podcast idea which involves collaborating with other unschoolers
Show Notes
Blog posts
Does the World Needs Unschooling?
Are We Incomplete Without Our Passions and Interests?
Youtube channels
Videos
Music
Podington Bear’s Sound of Picture
Writing
Image
Four of my girls – Charlotte, Gemma-Rose, Imogen and Sophie – outside the church where we had Thomas’ funeral. I sometimes wonder if people look at my kids when trying to decide whether unschooling works or not. And if so, what are they looking for? Are they reassured? I hope so!