An Unschooling Plan?

Today is the first day of school for several of Zeb’s friends. This time of year has me evaluating our choices, where we are and where we may be heading. I think he would have been in 3rd or 4th grade by now and I always wonder where we would be if we had not made the fateful decision to leave school. No doubt about where we were nearly two years ago – depressed, disconnected, frustrated and still thinking “Teacher knows best” and “What the heck are we doing wrong?”. Maybe with a few more math tricks in his pocket, but certainly not with the confidence he’s worked to obtain since being out of the system.

I don’t regret a minute of our decision. Leaving school put our family on the path to peaceful parenting, consensual living and respectful relationships. It’s been hard to undo decades of experience, and it’s still a work in progress many days, but the rewards have been immense. We have definitely gotten more than we bargained for, in the best sense of the term.

Last year, our state homeschooling laws were changed (for the better). We were told we needed a one-time filing that included an “Educational Plan”. It turned out their idea of a “plan” was enormously simplified, but the idea intrigued me so much that I attempted to put into words exactly what our unschooling plan was. It has helped me solidify our facilitator role as well as our trust in our son’s interests and abilities. And it has served as a reminder over the last year as to what exactly we want to see.

I think George Bernard Shaw summed it up perfectly when he said, “What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.”

Overview: Our goals for our child are to instill a life-long thirst for learning with an emphasis on understanding, application and fun. We will be using developmentally-appropriate resources and materials to support his own pace and encourage his passions and natural abilities. Because of our acknowledgement of evolving tastes, skills and interests, the following are only guidelines and goals we intend to work towards with the understanding of personal updates being made as we deem necessary.

Mathematics: Our goal is for our child to gain conceptual knowledge of mathematics as well as an appreciation for the daily application of math in his life. This will be done with a parental emphasis on incorporating new and learned skills into our everyday lives with such activities as shopping, building, baking, game playing, money handling, budgeting etc.

English: Our goal is to help our child grow to be a ferocious reader and critical thinker with a life-long passion for information and research. This will be accomplished through the use of child-interest fiction and non-fiction literature, letter-writing, story-telling, and mentally stimulating and fun game play.

Science: Our goal is for our child to experience a wide range of scientific exposure in his areas of interest, to develop a positive interest in science, to learn to think scientifically, to develop a respect for the work scientists do and to understand the importance science has in his daily life. We will place emphasis on environmentalism and personal environmental responsibilities and will embark upon science using fun, exciting methods of hands-on play. Depending on his level of interest, this may include privately offered classes or workshops, garden growing, cooking, messy experiments, nature expeditions, neighborhood clean-ups, etc.

History and Geography: Our goal is to instill in our child an understanding of past events and how they apply to present and future circumstances as well as a deep appreciation for unique differences in other cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. This is currently done through the use of documentaries, map usage, local and foreign travels, language studies, fairs and festivals, field trips, and fiction and non-fiction reading, and will be expanded on when more interest arises.

Economics and Politics: Our goal is to develop a critical thinker who can form decisions based on facts and not popular demand or cultural preferences. These studies will be age and interest appropriate and will vary greatly depending on intellectual level. Currently this is being accomplished through the use of political campaign involvement, participation in political events or rallies, discussions, questioning, researching and other personal experiences.

Physical Education: Our goal is to enable our child to maintain a healthy body image for himself and others through living an active, healthy lifestyle. This may be done through the use of team sports, swimming, hiking, bicycle riding and other active games as well as healthy sleep patterns, nutrition, meal planning, and the importance of natural/organic foods with an emphasis on reading personal body signals and respecting one’s limits.

Art and Music: Our goal is to help flourish our child’s natural creativities as well as encourage his self-expression. This will be done through child-led interests and may include pottery/sculpting, painting, woodworking, crafting, photography and lessons in instrument, dance, acting and singing. Music appreciation will be developed regularly through the introduction of the many styles of music and the encouragement of his own preferences.

There is still so much this “plan” doesn’t touch on – our hope that Zeb grows into a man who has a passion and openness to experience life, who trusts himself and others, who has not only self-respect but a deep respect for other people, as well as the world around him.

But those things are really just a part of our life, not our education, right? A life he would miss out on had we kept him in school. I’m so happy to have made this choice for our family. I hope everyone else is enjoying their path just as much. Whether you’re celebrating your Not Back To School day or your First Day of School, have a fun one!

[Click on the photos for descriptions.]