Can kids really learn maths without formal instruction?
What does unschooling maths look like?
Can we strew unschool maths?
Is it possible for registered homeschoolers to unschool maths? How can we provide evidence kids are learning maths when we don’t have formal records like workbooks and test results?
What about testing?
Will unschooling not work in some situations?
How do we know kids are learning maths?
Where can we find maths in the world?
The answers to these questions and many more can be found in S2E8 of The Ladies Fixing the World podcast. Once again, Cecilie Conrad, Sandra Dodd and I are diving deep into an unschooling topic, sharing our thoughts, ideas and stories. We enjoyed our conversation immensely. As Sandra said at the end, “I like this one!” We hope you like it too.
Video Version
Audio Version
Also available on all other podcast platforms – find the links here.
Show Notes
S2E8 | The Math Myth: How Do Unschooled Kids Learn Math?
In this episode, we explore one of the most persistent questions in unschooling: What about math?
Cecilie, Sandra, and Sue examine the widespread belief that children can’t learn math without formal instruction — and explain why that belief doesn’t hold up.
Cecilie reflects on the early years of home education in her family, the pressure to “cover” math, and the quiet fear of doing too little. Sandra shares examples of how her children developed mathematical thinking through games, practical needs, and everyday problem-solving — without ever relying on school-based methods. Sue talks about letting go of structured lessons and learning to trust her children’s approach to math.
Together, they look at how math fits into unschooling — and what becomes possible when we stop trying to teach it and start noticing how it shows up in real life.
🗓️ Recorded February 70, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France
🔗 Links & Resources
- https://sandradodd.com/latenightlearning
- https://sandradodd.com
- https://storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com
- https://cecilieconrad.com
Giving My Unschoolers a Maths Test
Here’s a story that I shared in this episode:
Two More Maths Stories
I also shared these ones. They’re for my Buy Me a Coffee blog supporters!
Images
Zoe Richardson on Unsplash
At the end of this episode, Sandra told a story about maths and a flower shop.
So, will you listen to our unschooling maths conversation? And if you enjoy it, will you share it?
I really enjoyed listening to this podcast. Math is something I always find myself coming back to especially since I love math and neither of my kids find it as interesting as I do. I appreciate your thoughts on seeing math in the daily routines of life as well. Also- I can’t believe your youngest is already 21! I started following your blog years ago so I feel like I just think of all your girls still being at home living life together even though they’re all off on their own life adventures now. Are you officially an empty-nester now?
Kristina,
I’m so glad you enjoyed this maths episode!
Oh yes, my youngest is all grown up. When I began blogging about unschooling, Gemma-Rose was only 7, and now she’s 21. She’s still living at home, but it won’t be long before she moves out. When that happens, Andy and I will be here alone with the dogs.
I sometimes walk around our house, imagining it as it was a few years ago. At one time, I felt our homeschooling days were going to last forever. Of course, they didn’t which is a bit sad. But life is still good. It’s just different.
I hope all is well with you. I guess you’ve also experienced lots of changes in your family since you first followed my blog! 😊