Tired of the same old school routine?
You’re not alone! More and more families are ditching the traditional classroom for the adventure of homeschooling. But before we dive in, let’s decode two essential terms: deschooling and unschooling.
DESCHOOLING VS. UNSCHOOLING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
- Deschooling is a temporary phase – it helps families transition out of a traditional school mindset.
- Unschooling is a lifestyle – learning happens organically, without rigid structure.
- Deschooling can lead to unschooling. Some families realize they love the results this learning method fosters and never look back!
DESCHOOLING: THE RESET
Imagine your brain is a hard drive packed with files from traditional schooling – rigid schedules, standardized tests, and the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Deschooling is like performing a complete system reboot. It’s a transition from traditional school to homeschooling that helps both kids and parents learn how to think about education in a new way. It’s about shaking off the old “school” mindset and rediscovering the joy of learning. Deschooling breaks the notion of replicating traditional schooling at home, lifting the pressures of school off your kids’ shoulders so they can discover a more holistic way of learning that will better prepare them for their chosen fields. As an added bonus, it allows parents to reconnect with their children on a deep level!
WHAT DOES DESCHOOLING LOOK LIKE? IT’S A CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE!
- For Little Explorers, it might mean showing them how science class can take place by spending the day at the aquarium learning about sea life, and how math class can happen while calculating how much chocolate they can buy at the candy store with five dollars. Giving them options they would never receive in a traditional school setting – like reading a book under the sun or covering the table with art supplies and letting their creativity run wild – helps give learning a new meaning.
- For Tweens & Teens, deschooling could mean setting their own sleep schedule, exploring hobbies and passions, and going on educational trips to museums, science centers, and nature preserves. It also includes taking more initiative in their educational endeavors – for example, no more waiting for the rest of the class to catch up, and no more raising their hand to go to the bathroom.
- For All Ages, deschooling is about breaking free from routine. The only rules? Have fun, stay curious, and no sinking into the couch all day!
UNSCHOOLING: ACCESSING UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
Now, imagine throwing away the public school rule book altogether! Unschooling is a long-term homeschooling approach that believes in learning through life, not rigid school expectations. Think of this approach as providing “structured unstructured” in that topics are child-led and the parent provides the necessary tools and opportunities to make learning happen in the real world. It’s all about diving into what sparks curiosity and learning at a respective pace. It’s like giving your child a kitchen playset so they can learn to make simple meals, or taking your teen to the local lot to practice for their driver’s test! The idea is to allow them to embrace learning on their own terms, with you right by their side.
WHAT DOES UNSCHOOLING LOOK LIKE? IT’S ABOUT APPLYING YOUR PASSIONS!
- Unschooling opens up a world of possibilities for kids. They might get into stargazing and learning about constellations and the solar system, create their own books, or dive into the fascinating world of different cultures.
- It’s all about how learning doesn’t have to happen at a desk. Instead of working through a textbook, they might explore the science behind baking or try their hand at woodworking. Maybe they’ll even practice math while measuring ingredients in the kitchen or calculating how much wood they’ll need for a new project.
- Parents step into more of a facilitator role. The key objective is to take a child’s natural interests and build a well-rounded curriculum around them. For example, if a child is passionate about art, you could explore art history, the beauty of imperfection in creativity, and even the business side, including pricing artwork, navigating gallery costs, and commissions. If they’re interested in law, they can study famous cases, debate ethical issues they’re interested in, conduct mock trials, and learn about contracts and legal writing. Aspiring doctors can dive into anatomy, biology, and medical ethics. Hands-on learning could include first aid, shadowing healthcare professionals, and understanding the financial and logistical side of medicine, like insurance and running a practice.
Overall, no matter the field, learning becomes deeper and more engaging when it’s built around what excites learners as individuals.
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHANGE?
Is there anything more valuable than giving your child a personalized learning journey through deschooling and unschooling? One that adapts to how they learn best and truly prepares them for the world beyond the classroom? It’s not just about education – it’s about setting them up for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and real-world success!
Sources:
Faulconer, Jeanne. “Deschooling vs. Unschooling: What’s the Difference?” TheHomeSchoolMom, https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/deschooling-vs-unschooling-whats-the-difference/. Accessed 26 January 2025.
“What is Deschooling?” Homeschool.com, https://www.homeschool.com/articles/what-is-deschooling/. Accessed 26 January 2025.
Morrison, Kristan. “Unschooling and Social Justice/Multicultural Education: (Un)Realized Potential.” Other Education: The Journal of Educational Alternatives, vol. 7, no. 2, 2018, pp. 97-117, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381800956_Unschooling_and_Social_JusticeMulticultural_Education_UnRealized_Potential. Accessed 26 January 2025.
