The term “unschooling” was coined by John C. Holt, known as the “father” of the modern homeschooling movement. It refers to an approach to homeschooling in which children are allowed to continue (or return to) the natural, curiosity-driven, discovery-mediated learning that all children engage in as babies and toddlers. As such, it is child-led learning rather than teacher- or parent-imposed lessons, although it is parent-stimulated to varying degrees. The role of unschooling parents is that of facilitators of learning rather than taskmasters. Unschooling is therefore not so much a “teaching method” as it is a “learning philosophy” and a lifestyle. Actually, it might be more accurate to say it is a spectrum of learning philosophies, as different unschooling parents place greater or lesser value and emphasis on the different aspects of early childhood learning that come into play in continuing that type of learning through the school-age years. Some focus on allowing the child to lead, even if it leads to using textbooks and workbooks and other schoolish materials — unschooling as “child-led learning.” Others focus on encouraging the child to learn through real life situations and discoveries rather than textbooks — unschooling as “life learning.” Unschooling is also sometimes known as “natural learning,” “delight-driven learning,” “experience-based learning,” “independent learning,” “non-coercive parenting,” … Each of these phrases has a slightly different nuance and emphasis, confirming that there are as many ways to manifest unschooling as there are families living it. Here are some resources on unschooling that will help you explore this approach in more detail (this list is far from exhaustive; you can find more by doing an internet search for “unschooling,” “child-led learning,” or any of the other phrases mentioned above): Articles on unschooling Definitionsby the Apple Blossom Contemplative HermitageNot really about definitions of homeschooling and unschooling, it’s more like a vision of how society could evolve if we start to trust in the learning process of our children and move from schooling past homeschooling to unschooling and beyond… on other websites What is Unschooling?by Earl Stevens, 1994, reprinted on The Natural Child Project website“Unschooling isn’t a method, it is a way of looking at children and at life.” Unschooling Undefinedan article by Eric Anderson found at Jon’s Homeschool ResourcesThe author starts by saying, “Unschooling is a word coined by negating the idea of schooling; it starts off with a negative definition. What, specifically, is it about schools that unschoolers want to do without?” and then proceeds to list the aspects of school that unschoolers find problematic, under the headings of: The School Organization, The De-humanizing Aspects of Schools, Isolation from the Real World, Schedule Rigidity. After saying what unschooling is not, the author talks about what unschooling is in terms of the underlying understanding of how children learn naturally. Educationalese: the art of reframing everyday life in the jargon of educationby OFTP member Sarah Wall, on her Raising Royalty website.“If you’ve ever been worried about documenting your unschool lifestyle for nosy neighbours, ignorant family members or intimidating officials, here are some quick tips on translating your everyday life into the jargon that makes you sound like [someone they would recognize as an educator and shows that] you know exactly what you’re doing.” There are also many articles on the websites listed further down on this page. In the news A new chapter in education: unschooling — Controversial home-taught approach lets kids take the lead in learningMSNBC article by Victoria Clayton, October 6th, 2006, with reader reactions in the form of comments and a poll. No school, no books, no teacher’s dirty looksCNN article by Traci Tamura and Thelma Gutierrez, February 3rd, 2006 Magazines about natural learning Life Learning MagazinePublished 6 times a year by Wendy Priesnitz, author of Challenging Assumptions in Education and other books. Articles to inspire and provide information about self-directed learning and natural parenting. Books on unschooling Teach Your Own: A Hopeful Path to EducationAuthor: John Holt.Original Publisher: Delacorte, 1981Revised and updated by Patrick Farenga asTeach Your Own – The John Holt Book of HomeschoolingPublisher: Perseus2003, Paper, 334 pages A classic in the homeschooling literature, by the “father” of modern homeschooling. John C. Holt is the one who coined the phrase “unschooling” and his writing is insightful, common-sense, and easy to understand. The chapter on Common Objections to Homeschooling can be read on the Natural Child website. Other books by John Holt: Homeschooling Our Children, Unschooling OurselvesAuthor: Alison MacKee2002 As a schoolteacher, the author experienced many frustrations within the school system. She chose not to send her own children to school. In the book she shares her insights from both her homeschooling and schoolteaching experiences. John Taylor Gatto’s comment on the book: “An unusual and clear-headed examination of what children need?and why even well-meaning schools can’t supply it.” [Website manager’s note: I am including this book in the Unschooling section but am unsure whether or not it is specifically about unschooling. It may be that the word “unschooling” in the title is actually referring to what others call “deschooling”: letting go of old, school-based ways of thinking about learning. If you have read the book, please let me know if it should remain listed in the Unschooling section. Thank you!] The Unschooling HandbookAuthor: Mary Griffith1998; Paper, 230 pages. Lots of information, including resources for different subjects, real-life examples of what people do, and lots of explanations. The book can help non-unschoolers understand the idea of unschooling, and perhaps give its philosophy and practice a try for themselves, while those who are already unschooling will find tips and insights into what other unschoolers are doing, as well as information that can help them explain and defend their unschooling choices. The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and EducationAuthor: Grace Llewelyn1998; Paper, 443 pages. This book is highly recommended in unschooling circles and provides a good explanation of the unschooling approach to learning. Although written especially for teenagers, it is also helpful for anyone who has ever gone to school and wants to know how to regain