What Unschoolers Don’t Do

The specifics vary among households, but unschooling families typically avoid certain practices and elements commonly associated with traditional schooling.

Unschooling Families Usually Choose Not To:

Follow a Formal Curriculum

Unschooling families generally do not adhere to a structured, predetermined curriculum. Instead, they allow children to explore their interests and learn through real-life experiences rather than through textbooks or lesson plans.

Enforce a Set Schedule

Unlike traditional schools, unschooling does not involve strict schedules and timetables. Unschooling families prefer to let the natural flow of life dictate the learning opportunities, allowing flexibility in how and when learning occurs.

Assign Grades or Tests

Unschooling eschews the use of traditional grading systems and standardized tests. Instead of evaluating a child's progress through formal assessments, unschooling parents observe and understand their child's development through daily interactions and experiences.

Separate Subjects Rigidly

Unschooling tends to blur the lines between traditional subjects. Instead of compartmentalizing knowledge into distinct subjects like math, science, and history, unschooling encourages an integrated approach where learning is seen as a holistic and interconnected experience.

Restrict Learning to a Classroom

Unschooling rejects the notion that learning only occurs within the confines of a classroom. Families often engage in learning experiences outside the traditional school setting, embracing the idea that life itself is an educational journey.

Mandate Homework

Unschooling does not involve assigning homework or expecting children to engage in formal study outside of their natural interests. Learning is seen as a continuous and organic process that happens naturally in the course of daily life.

Promote Competition

Unschooling tends to avoid creating a competitive learning environment. Instead of emphasizing grades and rankings, the focus is on each child's individual growth, interests, and development.

Use Rewards or Punishments

Unschooling parents typically do not rely on external rewards or punishments to motivate their children. Instead, the emphasis is on fostering intrinsic motivation by allowing children to pursue what genuinely interests them.

Ignore the Child's Interests

Unschooling families actively involve children in the decision-making process regarding their education. Ignoring a child's interests and passions goes against the unschooling philosophy, which values the child's natural curiosity and inclination to learn about subjects that captivate them.

Over-Schedule Extracurricular Activities

Unschooling families may avoid over-scheduling their children with a multitude of extracurricular activities. Instead, they prioritize free time for spontaneous exploration, play, and self-directed learning.

Bottom Line

It's important to note that unschooling is a diverse and flexible approach, and practices may vary from one family to another. The common thread is the emphasis on child-led learning, flexibility, and a rejection of traditional educational norms.

Go forth and pursue educational freedom!

-Teacher Alyssa

Founder of Homeschool Fox

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