3 Tips on Unschooling & The Scoop Behind It

This past week, I sat down with Marta, who is an unschooling influencer on Instagram. She shared all about her transition from the public school system to unschooling. Before unschooling, she actually worked as a teacher. She struggled with her job and the public school environment, so she switched her children to unschooling. At first, she shushed the voice in her head telling her to make the change, but she finally leaped into unschooling. Her main source of inspiration came from John Holt when she started her homeschooling journey. 

Marta claimed that she was always an unschooler at heart, but when she read John Holt’s work, everything clicked for her. It healed the little schoolgirl in her heart. She explained that unschooling heals you inwardly, so your kids can also heal from the school system. She struggled in the public school system as a student, and learning about unschooling helped her. It also benefited her marriage, children, and personality as an introvert. 

In addition to these comments, Marta provided positive insights on the value of unschooling. 

• Deschool your child. 
• Let unschooling grow from deschooling.
• Keep an open mind. 

Let’s Go Deeper

Firstly, Marta highly recommends deschooling for new homeschooling families. She explained that this detoxing time helps parents deprogram their minds from public school. It also gives children time to heal and rest. She encourages parents to question the idea that learning only happens one way. 

Next, she explained that unschooling comes from deschooling. Unschooling comes naturally from life itself. Expose your children to life and new experiences. Encourage them in their interests and curiosity. Also, embrace their personalities. Because of unschooling, she and her children were able to embrace their introvert natures. 

Marta suggests that academic lessons come through curious studies or interest-led exploration of learning different skills. Children can build skills as they need them. Trust your child in this process. They know themselves.

Interestingly, Marta keeps an open perspective. Her son wanted to try public schooling, so she was open to the transition, and he will graduate from public school. Parents should support their child’s interests. Create a safe space for your child so they can learn in freedom. This will naturally create a love for lifelong learning. Respect your child as the individual that they are. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marta showed the real details behind unschooling. Her perspective reveals the value of unschooling if it fits your family’s needs. Her love for unschooling and her children was evident through her words. Her heart centers around free learning. Whether you unschool or homeschool, the beauty of learning is rooted in all our hearts as alternative education seekers. 

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- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)