So here we are. I’m a former teacher who ditched traditional schooling for this wild, beautiful ride we call unschooling. It sounds kind of rebellious, doesn’t it? And let’s be real—it is. In my humble opinion, it is most definitely an act of resistance. But it’s also magical, transformative, and just plain fun. Here’s the scoop on what unschooling is (hint: it’s more than just “no school”) and why I do it.
What Is Unschooling? Is It Like…No School?
Unschooling is a bit hard to define. People often think it’s all about letting kids do whatever they want, whenever they want, which (trust me) is not how it works—unless I feel like going rogue for the day. 😉 Essentially, unschooling is child-led learning. There are no set curriculums, tests, or rigid plans. We follow interests, chase questions, and dive deep into topics until we’re practically swimming in them. We believe kids learn best when they’re genuinely engaged and excited, and that they can find learning opportunities in almost anything (even those endless Minecraft worlds).
Why I Switched to Unschooling as a Former Teacher
As a former teacher, I thought I had it all figured out. Then I became a mom to a tween and a neurodivergent learner, and, well… surprise! It turns out that what works for one child doesn’t necessarily work for another. In my teaching days, I saw so many kids getting labeled or left behind simply because they didn’t fit the traditional mold. One of my own kids was labeled a “behavior problem” because he wanted to ask questions and move—two things kids are naturally wired to do! I wanted a different experience for my kids, one where they could be unapologetically curious, imaginative, and themselves.
Plus, let’s be honest: the freedom of not having to deal with school bells, testing, and rigid schedules is amazing. There’s a certain joy in knowing that we’re free to shape our days, to go on “field trips” whenever we want, and to dive deep into subjects as they pique our interest.
Real Talk: What Unschooling Looks Like in Our Home
Picture this: one kid deep into his inventory sheet for his small business. He finishes that and begins working on his film for a local student film festival he’s entered, the other practicing a presentation on rocks for our “rock round-up” later this month. We go outside, collect rocks, study them, and sometimes get sidetracked by a bug. It’s messy, unstructured—and totally awesome.
Some days, it’s chaotic. Some days, I find myself googling questions I should probably already know the answers to (thanks, Google!). But in all the messiness, there’s this beautiful thing happening—learning. Real, meaningful, hands-on learning.
The Benefits of Unschooling
1. Interest-Led Learning Means Less Nagging: I don’t have to bribe or beg my kids to learn. When they’re interested in something, they dive in wholeheartedly. We’re not grinding through math worksheets; instead, we’re using math to figure out how many pounds of materials we’ll need for a craft fair.
2. They Own Their Education: Because they’re guiding their learning journey, they feel a sense of ownership. They know their opinions matter, their interests are valued, and they’re more than just “good” or “bad” at something. They can follow their curiosity, ask questions, and explore without the fear of failing a test or getting a bad grade.
3. We Get to Learn Together: Unschooling isn’t just about them learning—it’s about us learning as a family. I get to dive into their interests alongside them. It makes me realize just how much I still have to learn, even after my years in the classroom. Unschooling has made learning a family affair, not just something the kids “have to do.”
4. Life Skills Galore: From cooking to budgeting, unschooling naturally incorporates real-life skills. Our projects often involve planning, executing, and sometimes (okay, often) failing and trying again. My kids learn about persistence, critical thinking, and the satisfaction of mastering something real. It’s hands-on, practical, and way more memorable than anything they’d get in a workbook.
Yes, There Are Hard Days
There are days when I wonder if I’m doing enough or if we’re covering “everything.” Some family members still don’t understand why we don’t have textbooks lined up on the shelves or why our “school day” looks more like an experiment in chaos theory. And that’s okay. Unschooling isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, curiosity, and letting my kids learn to love learning.
So, Why Do I Do It?
I unschool because I want my kids to know that learning isn’t something you do just between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., that education isn’t confined to a desk. I want them to chase their questions, think creatively, and see the world as their classroom. And I love that, every day, they’re teaching me just as much as I’m teaching them.
Unschooling is a journey—sometimes chaotic, sometimes peaceful, always rewarding. And as a former teacher, it’s the best “classroom” I could have ever dreamed of.
Happy Unschooling, friends!
