What Unschooling Looks Like Photo Gallery

When I tell people that Samantha is unschooled, many of them are taken aback. They have a puzzled look on their face. I go on to explain that learning happens naturally for all of us through the experiences we have in life. In this process, it is not necessary to force children to learn something specific, as they will follow their natural curiosities, passions, and interest. Subjects, such as reading, math, science, present themselves through that engagement. 

For example, creating a pinwheel engages project planning, measuring, cutting, reading directions, fine motor skills, creative arts, and wind science. <<-- Who knew, right? 

I find this mixing of "subjects" happens all the time. It doesn't matter what we are doing, creating, building, baking, playing, cleaning, etc. Those moments when we can learn and the heart is ready to accept the material, present themselves over and over. 

But what does an unschooling day really look like? Honestly, it looks a lot like the summer breaks you knew as a kid and everyday life. There is no need for set learning time, because it is on going every day, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There's know need to start at a certain time, as it ebbs and flows. When Samantha gets up early, like she did today at 3:30am, it starts. Or it can start when she gets up at 8am. Or it can stop when she falls asleep for a nap. This pattern allows her to awake and be energized for the material when she is ready for it. We eat when we are hungry. We loaf when were are not in the mood. We rest when we need to rest. 

The next question I get is, "Does she really learn?" YES! She does.

We are designed to learn and grow from the moment we are born. This style of learning looks radically different than worksheets, papers, school books, chalkboards and traditional mainstream methods. Everyday she gains more understanding of the world around her. The facts she discovers are fascinating. The concepts she grasps are awesome. She can write, when she wants to. She can work with money, do basic math, spell common words, and read. We simply do it without coercion and only with joy. 

I thought it would better illustrate the concept of Unschooling by putting together a photo gallery of activities we do and what are days often look like.