Unschooling is about living in the moment and learning from everything around you.
Here's an excerpt from a letter I wrote to a lady who is writing an article about Unschooling:
<< 12. How did homeschooling prepare you for building your own house? Is there any way it didn't prepare you? >>
I don't really think of unschooling as a seperate entity from me. As such, I don't think it could prepare, or not prepare me for anything in particular.
However, being raised in the environment of "If you want it, do it" affects everything in my life. Attitude is everything. That attitude isn't always just an unschooling thing, but I'm sure unschooling helped.
Regular school is horrible for kids. It really shatters everybody's self esteem and self-worth in some way. I would probably be a wreck had I gone for any longer than I did, which was through half of second grade. You need high self esteem and self worth to be successful. I have lots. Extra, even. :)
Unschooling is about Freedom
Freedom to learn whatever I want, whenever I want. I have time to aquire an interest in something like boat building, spend hours at the library looking at sailing and boat building books....even enough time to build my own 17 foot ocean kayak. Not many kids are able to do things like that, because they're locked away in school or doing homework most of their days.
Unschooling is about Choice
I can choose to sleep till noon, or get up at 4am if I want. Nobody is going to punish me. I can choose to study quantum physics for a week straight, if that's what I'm into at the moment. Nobody is going to tell me that I have to go to english class after I do 45 minutes of physics. I have unlimited choices and the time and freedom to pursue them.
Unschooling is about Fun
Life is fun! I get to do all sorts of fun things that kids in school never do. I have traveled extensively every year for the past 12 years. I get to see dozens of our National Parks, kayak with manatees down in Florida, and go down to D.C. just to see the cherry trees blossom.
Unschooling is about People
What about socialization? Well gosh, is life anything like school? Nope. In real life you get to talk, work and play with people of all ages and backgrounds. In school you get to read about famous people. In real life you get to meet them.
A famous anthropologist lives right down the road from me. We get invited to her parties all the time, and meet the most interesting people. Last party it was an internationally famous documentary film maker, and a photographer who works for the Smithsonian. I was able to pick his brain about photography and get some tips.
Unschooling is about Goofing Off
So have fun with it! Don't feel like you have to religiously follow someone elses example. Create your own unique learning experience. And tell me about it when you do :)
