Unschooling: A true education?
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- Most parents send their children to school because their parents sent them. For many, school is embedded in our culture.
A minority choose home schooling as an alternative.
But very few are aware of a third option.
When Albert Einstein said, "The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education", he captured the essence of unschooling.
Unschooling is a form of home education where children are empowered to learn through their interests and experiences.
As a movement it hasn't garnered much attention.
But there's growing support from education experts as to its benefits and its possible role as an alternative to school.
Amy Rathbone is the reporter.
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This story was produced, filmed and edited by Amy Rathbone, a final year journalism student at the University of Technology, Sydney
The documentary includes a small amount of footage from RUclips, Education Otherwise, TEDxCIBELES and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
www.amyrathbone.wordpress.com
After being radically unschooled since fifth grade (With a childhood a lot like these kids!) I am looking forward to attending college next year and I am a proud CNA with a job in a nursing home! I promise that if a child wants any kind of knowledge they will find it. :)
It's fine to cast a critical eye on homeschooling and unschooling, but traditional school is very rarely looked at with the same focus on finding faults, although ra quite obvious the system itself is not quite working. People wouldn't turn their backs on traditional schooling if it wasn't actually failing their kids in some way. We really need to look at that, instead of just picking holes in what these parents are trying to do.
yeah my kids not in school yet, just a daycare (which is play-based but also has a curriculum), but I have so many concerns about public school. they need more unstructured learning/discovery time
It depends on the kids really. Regular school worked for me and my kids and my older sister. But it failed my younger sister. She's an adult now, but she was a naturally curious kid and probably would've learned so much more in the unschooling style of learning. Seemed like regular school was designed to beat her natural curiosity right out of her. When she was little, I remember her having a wide range of interests and being advanced for her age. At school, she was miserable and for all the meetings with teachers and headmasters and all that, if they'd just left her to her own devices, she would've learned just fine by herself. She wasn't the sort of kid to spend all day watching tv or playing videogames.
If you can fjnd a Montessori school, where waldorf schools dont have, but they do have the literacy and numeracy areas or work available for the kids to play through and master at their own pace whenever they want i would recommend it. Three basis for unschooling approach is within Montessori and you can definitely use it to silent and give you through the life as a guide for your child with the main aim being to 'follow the child'
The issues with the current school system are all resolved within a Montessori school. Thete is room for imagination and pretend play definitely but not fantasy which is something people get confused on. However, i do recommend it as an option for those who can't afford to invest in the materials and the social groups it takes to silent the development of a child. I wish we had one. The mixed age group the freedom within a prepared environment the opportunity to develop skills to whatever level without limiting them not forcing every child to do activities all at once and having the independence in personal care preparing snacks when they are hungry just wandering aound and observing and the understanding of their development the respectful way they are treated by the guides where the lessons are not like a classroom if you want to look into it. I am blessed though to have found out that we can legally home educate our own children without as many requirements as i expected and can spend their childhood with them.
I think it's ludicrous for that guy to compare homeschooling to eating junk food. Since when is having fun learning considered unhealthy? What's unhealthy is being forced to sit in front of as desk all day long and being force-fed textbook information just for the sake of students regurgitating it for exams.
Yes!!! Well said!
PAMELA TORRES You clearly didn't understand the analogy. He said if we give them the choice of eating healthy food or eating junk food children will choose junk food. That means he believes that if a child is given the choice of learning (reading, math, and science) or playing (watching tv and video games) they will choose playing. Children are not fully developed and can't predict the repercussions of their actions. Not only that unschooling does not give them the toolset they need in the future. Kids need to learn reading, writing, math, science, and history so they can use them as adults. The idea that unschooled s children will just learn everything they need. Without a strong base in core subjects how will someone learn college chemistry or calculus when they don't even know basic algebra.
Daniel Salgado
Who the heck uses algebra and calculus in every day life? Not many people. Dude you miss the point of life. The purpose of life is to FEEL GOOD. (whilst obeying the no harm rule... No harm to yourself, no harm to anyone, no harm to anything) They learn by following their interests and passions. And doing so makes them feel good. So they are achieving life's purpose. When they are older they will make money doing what that love, again something that makes them feel good. If they have an interest in algebra or calculus they will learn it. If not then they don't need it. Obviously basic skills such as reading, writing and basic maths etc are essential to life but it will be learned when it is needed.
No, the point of learning from text-books is not for an exam. It is for students to be exposed to all parts of the world and to better function in society. It is unhealthy to let kids do what ever they want whenever they want.
How do they know what they may be interested in if they are not exposed to a variety of things outside of their current knowledge? Believe me when they become adults, noooo employer wants to hire someone who just wants to feeeel good all the time and not follow any rules.
I really don't understand the socialization paranoia. Kids are naturally social beings. Is usually adults that put ideas in their heads and they become skeptical or afraid. My kids don't go to school and they are BY FAR a lot more "social" than other kids their age or older. They start conversation with cashiers at the store, say hi and goodbye to the neighbors in hallways or elevators, the talk, play, and socialize with no problem at all everywhere we go. Ironically, is usually other adults or schooled kids that lack social skills. You would be surprised how many times my kids say hi to our (adult) neighbors and they completely ignore them. Or countless of times my kids initiate a conversation at the park with other children and they are ignored as well.
BarbieShine that's not the biggest problem *facepalm*
Actually, that seems like maybe they are too aggressive and know no boundaries. Children aren't really meant to be having conversations with adults like that. Do you see a pattern where they are being ignored by the adults? I remember when our neighbors encouraged their kids to call adult neighbors by their first names instead of a more polite, respectful last name. You like to treat kids like they are equal when in fact there is a hierarchy between adults and children. Parents like you treat kids as "friends" instead of immature person that they.
SG F it's 2018 hun. That is normal. It is not 1950. Most people are on a first name basis...including children. ☺
The funny part about them being unsocialized is that there are so many children that have hundreds of children around them at the public schools and they still have NO FRIENDS!!!
7:57 I learned how to read outside of school, the teacher kept saying "no, that's too hard right now, just read this" while I was reading novels at home
***** the excuse I've heard is "we just want all students to be equal"
***** yeah
That's just stupid. Many schools have accelerated learning courses for advanced students. Back in my day we had different reading groups according to our levels.
It's funny how people say "school prepares children for the real world" or "how will they learn to adjust to the real world if they don't go to school?" Well how, when kids are in school all day, in a building all day ( only out for lunch or recess an hour or less)? Kids learn about the real world when they're IN the real world! When they learn naturally, when they play, explore, cook, bake, clean, ask questions, search, discover, play games, watch TV, plsy sport,talk to people of different ages and stages of life... Not being forced to sit down for hours on end in a classroom learning from textbooks!
Cassie Lynch well that's your opinion, but how can you say that the women who are essentially educating (sort of) these children can really teach them enough knowledge if they seem like they don't even know shit themselves. Like srsly I would be more ok with it if the mothers were more educated. Besides, school provides basic foundational skills (reading and writing) and instills it in children. Maybe these kids will love chemistry or history, but how will they know if they never experience the subject fully and completely from an individual educated in that specific area? I for example fell in love with physics but I never, prior to the 11th grade, was taught it or even thought about it in depth.
Yes, and they can do all of those things in the years of their childhood when they are not in school too. How will they learn discipline and taking resposnibility?
SG F Animal Care is a great way to teach responsibility and discipline. The fact the most schools can't even have a hamster because of health and safety is just ludicrous.
noone will give you a job because your hippie mom taught you how to cook and ‘play’. those kids have no future and will never be able to pursue real achievement in life
Ezzy J they still learn the basics. Depending on the state they live in, they will still have annual testing. They aren't just watching tv all day, or playing games. They're constantly learning, and learning more because they want to.
I agree school is useless unless u want to focus on a academic career but life is short and kids shouldnt be getting locked up 7 hours a day with other kids that's like prison.
Most of us went through it and it was absolutely fine. Hardly a prison. I know it’s not for everyone and I agree with some principles of this version of unschooling, but this isn’t for everyone, either. There is nothing wrong with doing something that isn’t always fun. That’s life for everyone.
@@baileymoran8585, It was horrible, and it was most definitely like a prison. Sitting at the desk wondering when is the next time you get to outside and explore. Wondering and wandering are the only real ways to gain intelligence.
I never used anything I learnt in school, which felt forced. After finishing 2degrees, I went back to doing what I was always interested in and feels like I should have realized it sooner that education and learning are a totally different things.
Definitely unschooling my kids👍🏽
+Estee Star "I never used anything I learnt in school, which felt forced. After finishing 2degrees, "
You finished 2 degrees.
unschooling plus the use of services like Khan Academy, skillshare, udemy and coursera = revolution
Nearly 150 years and we still can't decide what's best. Maybe these guys are right, maybe we have to accept different channels for different kids.
LOVED this......we have homeschooled/unschooled all 5 of our kids all the way through......& they've all gone on to college/university. We have 3 college graduates already & the younger two are still in school. ;-)
I am currently a 15yo unschooled male. I'm not against school, but I'm against how they do it. It is complete robbery of a child's exploration through learning what they want and will become. I may lack education in some areas, but in others I have surpassed regular schooling. A quote I heard from Einstein leads me to believe he was pro-unschool, I could find it if you request it. Anyway, if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Hey there! How did you start unschooling? Please reply, I am 15 and sick of this system, currently 9th grade, wanna spedn the last 3 in happyness
Kids in school spend years of their life at home when they could be "exploring". YOU don't know what you don't know yet.
Davian Pfeiff im currently 15 and i think school is just find the way it is, you never went to school so how would you know? I don’t want this to sound mean but what can you learn by staying home? Look at me, im 15, je suis parfaitement bilingue, i know maths, science, french, english, history ect... what have you learned im curious?
Make world Vegan school is mandatory for very simple reasons; it allows society’s to be on the ‘’same’’ level by teaching kids things that can be associated with adult life. Sure you won’t need algebra much if you want to be say salesman but they teach us things like this because it’s easyer to learn at a young age. This way, those who study further in maths or have the basics and can just enrich what they have. Sure the average citizen doesn’t need to know who the 3rd president of the United States was, but it’s a way of preserving history and opening doors to does who studi further uni cegep ect..... then theres the mandatory part, like stated earlier, a society with a bass level is what school is aming for, these unschooled kids don’t know how to count pass 100, don’t know maths, science, history, and sure, you might debate that thats not necessary, but the list goes on with things like basic language structure, basic pronunciation, discipline ect. And this creates a problem cause then they can’t find jobs cause literally anybody who went trough normal schooling is a better job candidate then them. Sure as kids this seems find but this is wrong, and only makes there adult life harder. Now lets talk about books and the internet, you say that there are plenty of books, video games and website to teach them things, and you would be right if it wasn’t for one thing: thats not how it works. You see, a teacher is there to explain things and make sure the students understand. A teacher as the right to teach because he learned from a reliable source. Books can teach you things, but these kids probably barely know how to read. And sure, there’s the internet, but not everything is reliable/thru on the internet and these kids certainly don’t have the experience nor judgment to distinguish real from fake. And then there’s this small detail that i forgot to mention: an internet diplomat isn’t worth anything in our society. Finally, maybe the kid from the comments did go to school, i mean i could have been wrong. School is mandatory for the reasons stated earlier and others. Now I’m really lazy so I’m not gonna correct this, nor read it , so if something is not clear just tell me. But this practice of unschooling is completely stupid and should be illegal. These parents are making stupid decisions for there childrens without thinking about the outcomes.
Make world Vegan also, where the fck do people learn health stuff? Idk what you think health is but let me break it down for you,
You can’t be a doctor from reading a book, sure you might think you know things after reading a medicinal book, but you sure can’t do anything with that. The only job you could aquir by reading about it is cashiere.
The problem with unschooling isn’t the academic side, it’s the work ethic. If a child is raised believing that they never need to do anything they don’t want to do and be successful, you have essentially just ruined your child’s potential. I have no problem whatsoever with homeschooling but unschooling is just wrong.
I wasn't expecting this to be an Australian story. That makes me happy =)
as long as they are safe and an emphasis is placed on manners i cant see how this could produce worse results than our current pubic school system.
Unschooling seems quite a lot like the philosophy of Reggio Emilia but extended to lifelong learning rather than just Early Childhood.
Hmm that guy doesn't seem to know much about children. Yes they absolutely can learn to read without a professional as all the kids I know who are unschooled have. We read to them and we answer questions. They learn to read. Our son did at 6 years old and at a level 2+ years above schooled kids as a general rule. Kids eat a balanced diet if they're given good food and aren't coerced and bribed in an unhealthy fashion actually too. Disappointing!
"What if they just wanna play video games?" Well then they will have a very lucrative future as twitch streamers
Unschooling is a way of life that is authentic and genuine and unique to each family
🙄
I am dreading the fact that my 4 and 6 year olds will soon be robbed from me in the form of going to school for the next 12-18 years. When they come home from kindergarden, which is 8 am - 4 pm, ridiculous amount of time. The evening is filled with making and eating diner, homework, bath, TV, and maybe some play time. I have to time with my children. All to feed the corporate machine of workers with student loan debts.
then homeschool them
I'll be impressed when I see an 'unschooler' become a doctor, lawyer or an engineer.
Be impressed!
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201406/survey-grown-unschoolers-i-overview-findings
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201406/survey-grown-unschoolers-ii-going-college
radiofreeschool.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-are-all-unschooled-doctors_23.html?m=1
aae 93 I knew lots of kids at the Sudbury Valley School which actually follows unnschoooling practices. Several of them are lawyers, a few doctors, many successful business owners, and many college graduates. The rate of graduates pursuing further education is 80%. Check it out on face book or its web site.
ruclips.net/video/2Shah1Ulf98/видео.html
Why don't they enroll the kids in public school, then ask them which they like better, school or no school. If they leave it up to the kid, then it's in keeping with the principle to let them get their way, but at least give them the opportunity. They can always be drop-outs later on down the line.
Well, from what I heard most of these parents don't send their kids to school, but they leave the possibility open, if their children asked to go to school. I think some kids do, at least because probably their friends from neighbourhood go to school.
I had a college professor that was smart. We never took an exam in the class. We took something from the history book and taught it to the class and researched outside the class. For the midterm we did pot luck and researched the food. 1. this taught us how to examine fact from fake news. 2. It made us want to learn. 3. I gained literacy skills that helped me in my research as a biology major. If I was a teacher or had kids. I take math and have them use the material in a way that was interesting. Like slope fro example I would build something and make slope. Apparently there is a math equation so snow never collapses the roof. If I had a kid into architect I try to build it with them and use the formula and put real ice on it. My marine biology teacher also took as kayaking. We tested the ph of water in the river. We dissected sharks and went to zoos. I had great teachers. There so many ways to teach kids to aspire them. I dont agree with tests. Public schools are so test inclined. The schools teach popularity matters. Home coming queen and king says it all. I dont want my kids focused on superficial things. The socializing is kinda superficial. Kids can still socialize through after school programs. It seems the schools system is set up to reward being popular. Being popular always the kids that have sex too young. The kids that smoke. The kids that drink. The kids doing adult behavior.
I 'get' the reasons behind it - similar to Montessori, but the reality is at some point they will need to 'go to work' in a structured environment - how will they adapt to the basics of discipline, of having to answer to a boss? Of needing to do things they don't want to do, when they need to? They may be able to do it, but will it come easily? traditional schooling did no harm to me - I value the lessons it gave me beyond the cirriculum. It taught me discipline, motivation, ow to apply myself to sitting down for hours and studying - even when I didn't 'want' to. Why did I need to learn those things? Becasue for me I wanted to, and did - go on to achieve two Batchelor degrees at Uni, which enabled me to live my DREAM of doing a job I love. Sure, that might not be eveurnes plan it goal in life, but had I been unschooled it wouldn't have worked for me
Queen Bee It's wonderful that traditional schooling worked for you, I'm sincere in saying that. But how many kids have been broken for every child that benefits from this system? It's not for everyone, and unschooling is what works for some. I know many unschooled children, and if their area of interest requires persistence, discipline and obedience to a tutor, they learn it without a fight, and they excel at it.
I'm sure you've met many kids who go through traditional schooling and never learn self-discipline and persistence :)
ruclips.net/video/2Shah1Ulf98/видео.html
I believe unschooling is fine after elementary school. The array of skills learned in K-6 is so important!! Plus most kids under 12 yrs old haven't discovered their passions yet.
ruclips.net/video/HlHubBCdaN8/видео.html
Look, I homeschool, but an 8 year old not able to independently read is not okay. Helping my child to read well was the first thing I did. She started reading at age 4, and by age 6 was reading chapter books. She is now in middle school doing High School work, because she can read it.
There are dozens of homeschooling stories about children not learning to read until age 10,and then all of a sudden reading large, long chapter books within weeks. You need to do some research before making assumptions based on the experience of teaching your one child. (mother of 6 kids, all of the ones who are reading started when they were ready, around age 7, and are reading just as well as I am even though I started at age 3)
@@mycupoverflows7811 I was a teacher for years. Children that didn't learn to read well, struggled with everything else. Learning the phonetic sounds is crucial and is easily learned between ages 2 -4. Kids at these ages are still forming connections in the brain and learn quickly and easily. This is why I strongly recommend forming the pre reading skills starting at birth by reading to them nightly. Followed up by certain Montessori works from ages 18 months and up. The child will learn to read easily and naturally. I have taught over 100 children to read before entering Kindergarten. I'm not saying you have to shove it down their throats. This is why I like the Montessori methods. It helps the to learn gradually and in small amounts. So no, I didn't teach just one child. I've taught many, way more than 6. One of which has become a Marine Biologist at age 20, and another is in medical school.
I'm not going to change your mind, but to anyone else reading this, watch, and BE ENCOURAGED!
ruclips.net/video/ceBkUHtcTLg/видео.html
@Lizzie Allen I don't really understand your point. Was that a rhetorical question? I seriously doubt any of these parents will keep their children illiterate till 70 lol.
ruclips.net/video/HlHubBCdaN8/видео.html
Here's the thing. All of things she's talking about doing with her kids she can still do if they go to regular schools. You can read to your kids, send them on trips, answer questions anytime you want. School is about social education too not just academics, you learn about yourself and your relationships with others. Some children are curious and need no help learning because they like it....but not all children are like this. In fact, most aren't. Many students need structure, especially with the rise of Autism and ADHD. Students in Special Education ESPECIALLY need a social education because it ties together with their academics. For example a student with Asperger's may know a lot of information on a topic, but if you don't know how to convey this information or how to talk to others about it you will never get a job. Schooling is about preparation for the real world. Nowadays its easy to find information on the internet, but it's not easy to find someone who can tap into your interests to find a different way you can learn. I have a feeling unschooling is done by parents who had bad experiences in schools with bad teachers, this isn't true for all schools, there are good teachers out there.
The reason you can’t do the same stuff while having kids go to “real” school is that you are strictly bound to the school schedule, not just during the day but during the entire year. As someone who was homeschooled my entire life that is the biggest thing I don’t like about college even though I do enjoy it. Homeschooling and Unschooling are both reliant on finding how each child learns best so if you had special needs children you would of course structure in a way that works for them. And schooling is not about preparation for real life, education is, “real” school is just one form of education.
ruclips.net/video/2Shah1Ulf98/видео.html
Autism/ADHD is on the rise because of prison-like regular schools. Same with majority of cases of dyslexia/dysgraphia or "dyscalculia" - the last one essentially math phobia - these issues mostly stem from the anxiety caused by being forced to do something you are not ready for or even interested in at the time.
Social education in fact is quite poor at regular/traditional schools with rigid authoritarian structures.
If I wasn't unschooled I wouldn't Ben bully 2Xtreme in school. Everyday when I went to school I cried in the morning because I knew the bullies or ready for me when I went to school. I got spit out they put gum in my hair they pushed me they kicked me. I was always sad to go to school and scared and my grandma and my aunt didn't really do nothing about it or the teachers didn't care they just kept bullying me and getting away with it.
I don't think that it should be the parents that does the education. I think they should go to school and be with other children. And there there should be all sorts of tools they can use to learn that the parents can't afford so that they can learn on their own what they freaking want. I think I would have a natural desire to learn to read you don't have to force me to learn this.
Well yes, some people believe that democratic schools are better.
There are TONS of examples of successful unschoolers. It's amazing how well children do in this life style!
School record is very important to get higher education up to college. Job hunting is very competitive.
ruclips.net/video/2Shah1Ulf98/видео.html
My cousins did a low-key version of this through elementary school and they are in college now...well one of them is, the other one is still in highschool but she's doing well. I don't know if it's a great idea or anything, but they're not dead.
Schools shouldn't be necessary. :/
Too many awful schools and even worse teachers.
It isn't necessary
In the UK it’s not necessary/mandatory
I can see how this can be a huge problem but I can also see how some kids might do better in a free learning environment.
CoolBeanSquadron Turning this on its head: "I can see how this (compulsory schooling) can be a huge problem but I can also see how some kids might do better in a structured, compliance-reinforcing, curriculum-driven environment". :)
ruclips.net/video/2Shah1Ulf98/видео.html
I think you should have four years of education in some revamped public school system so you can learn all the basics about all the Core subjects etc. Then you can go get unschooled now knowing all the abilities needed to continue their true passion.
And that's all you're suppose to be to children, guides! Don't control them don't try to make recent them from making mistakes just sit back give advice and let them learn on they're own
BrightOrange J I’m not a parent, but I’ve thought along the same lines. Not here to control my future/hypothetical children, but guide them
Yep, we did this with our kids in the mid 80’s to mid 90’s. I devoured every John Holts book & every ‘Growing Without Schooling,’ magazine. We travelled up & down the east coast of Australia, going to camps of families who were home education their children, we stayed and spent time with many families individually too, several also visited & stayed with us. I watched many of these children grow up. Many never attended school. Some attended towards the end to assist them with entry to tertiary studies. Some never went on to tertiary education but none the less lead successful happy lives. I totally agree that unschooling parents facilitate their children’s learning successfully. My kids eventually went to school due to changes in our family’s structure. They are in their mid to late 30’s now, all doing fine. Parent’s care lots about their kids, we always ensure they are learning lots about the world. They would never have an education diet of Coke! Parents who care about having their kids around them at home make sure their kids access all the learning they want & need in the best way they can. It is natural! That negatively viewed male so called expert, Dr David Zyngier, in this video clearly knows absolutely nothing about unschooling from what he said in snippets throughout this great video, that makes me very annoyed! He seems to think he can have his opinions from only his side of the fence. Ridiculous! The other opinions expressed in this video were spot on. These families are doing an amazing job!
That guy saying "if you let kids do what they want they'll just eat junk food all day " that's bs! My kids are always eating fruit and veg. Plus I'm the one that buys the stuff anyway so unless they buy it themselves (they do sometimes because that's what kids do!) they hardly get it!!
Mumma Of Lots lol right?
Good for you for seeing a difference between unschooling and unparenting.
one good thing I have observed that the unschooled children have really great communication and friendly relationships with their siblings.
when my children were in school we never had educational conversations, we were in autopilot .. since taking them out we have become closer, we learn together when I do not know something.. we do have plenty of bookwork but it is short and effective.. my 'behind' children who were in school seen as the gold standard have progressed so much and have become a lot more confident and my shy children have become more outgoing go figure how someone can justify it as the poorer choice of education
It was probably like this in the stone ages, but just because something works in the past, doesn't always means it will work now.
ruclips.net/video/2Shah1Ulf98/видео.html
wow great to see so many family's catching on the this custom life what pioneers these family's are to show the rest of society it ok to not be a sheep.
It's false news to say that home educated children are not social. We can sure prove in watching our own children.
That your childern.
unschooling is mother of all discovery, creativity, innovation and freedom
I want to see the successful products of unschoolers. Where are all the thriving adults that resulted from this method?
Tbh, it's a more modern and uncommon approach to learning meaning it will take a few years for the children to grow into adults, and then we will know if this method works.
Mike Stjohn I was unschooled and now I'm doing my master's in music at the Juilliard school of music. Granted it was hard when I asked my mom to go to school at 15 and I've been catching up on certain things ever since.
That's because they are still young children who do not need advanced knowlegde or jobs yet.
Sure, you are talking about geniuses from a hundred years ago or more. They were smart and taught themselves. Will you argue for the millions of people with little education who never made anything of themselves? Someone with education always has an advantage over someone who does not. They knew the value of education and hard work and most certainly had a lot more discipline in their lives. Today's unschoolers are often allowed to sit around playing video games and whatever they feel like. They do not have the ambition to educate themselves or they would probably beg parents to go to school to learn something meaningful.
Try this
unschoolingmom2mom.com/grown-unschoolers/
I have never heard of such a form of teaching your kids and I am actually not sure what to think about that method. My thoughts are mainly negative because of too many things children are missing by simply not going to school. How to work in a team or get to know your best friend are just two main points that would be missing in unschooling. Of course, they are going to meet other kids but in school you have your best friend by your side everyday - at home you just have your family. I don’t want to say, that family is bad in any kind of way, but if I would be unschooled, my family would have driven me nuts by now.
It is hard for me to understand how it could possibly work for this family at all, clearly it does, as I’ve seen in this video.
***** As someone with a university degree, my own business and as someone who has worked in many environments in both independent and group settings. I was unschooled and I always had my friends by my side. Many of my friends where online, in various countries, many where neighbors... I got to see many people outside at the parks or the beaches or in the forest, while others where in schools studying I could play and learn what I wanted.
I also learned to be independent and I can go about life without friends by my side - where some of my school friends do not feel confident enough to do things alone I did. Many school children are bullied or do not fit in with group settings.
We're all different. I was able to train in figure skating, read my favourite books, write and study at my own pace while at home and it made me much more determined to work things out myself and not rely on others for answers. School has benefits but unschooled children do not miss out on any of them.
ruclips.net/video/HlHubBCdaN8/видео.html
Only humans will attempt to classify how to learn. Learning is developed through the human experience. It's quite simple.
Learning structure is required of course. This learning structure is obtained by enveloping oneself around other structured learners and or by the tools created by these structured humans. There is a saying, "You are what you eat". This isn't necessarily the case for learning. I have, in my own life, ate a box of apples, but never turned into an apple. As for learning, if I learn only math, do I turn into math itself? No. I may be very well versed in mathematics, but I do not turn into a parabolic equation.
I think that these educational methods as pre-high school are worthy of consideration. However my concern is in most cases I have doubts that a child can use books and the internet or most parents can EFFECTIVLY teach things that require a base that the usual person would have difficulty communicating. Some of the core concepts of the sciences, higher maths, literature, or crafting papers that is required in the Liberal Arts as they are examples of critical thinking can. be learned by self study . Can Launguages be taught without the Human element to convey nuance and structure. How does a child learn about the complex chemical and biological mechanism of Photosynthesis without the base concepts which are not simple or for most learned easily. If a parent to can find a way to do so, than more power to them. But I don't see that most parents have the ability or the recall to teach it themselves. I hear History being taught through literature of it's time period. But literature can only give one a window into the time period. How can you learn about the rise of AXIS powers, the causes of it's rise.Or The cold war that followed without a larger frame of reference. My REAL concern is that permissive learning does not prepare one for the reality of everyday life. As adults we often find we must do things we rather not, and unless there suddenly a complete alteration to Western society, it's a recipient for disaster. Can you imagine a teenager who chooses to work instead of going to college suddenly having to conform after years of being in control of thier environment. The thing I see as being missed is the essential discipline needed to get along in today's world. Look I don't want parents to feel they must subscribe to "classical" school based learning, but without structure that engaged mind at 7 or 8 can quickly devolve to "whatever" or a lack of understanding that he world does not cater to a single person. If they can find a thier way through the mine field that is adolecence, often marked by a focus that isn't about following thier passion, or actually following ONLY thier passion, it creates a expectation of how the world will tolerate people who can't or won't adjust to fit standards that may not be the most exciting or stimulating but it's the job. I went to a regular school, and yes experienced certain of the same issues that cause these parents to seek the alternatives, but that didn't stop me from following g what I liked. When I had issues with Math, in High School, I required tutors, but those tutors knew what they were teaching. Do any of the regular parents, meaning those without the specific knowledge regarding how one must "show the work" or the order of tackling higher maths problems, feel like they can teach these things EFFECTIVLY. One of the posts had a Mother who questioned the merit of learning the Classics or knowing the work of historians, firing back at the interviewer something like' I don't think it's important, after all I don't remember anything the things had to teach me". Yet children are supposed to follow Thier interests, I say how can you foilow something that you are never exposed to? We're I a parent, which I a not and makes my opinion and uninformed one in a way, thus my comments are from the outside looking in, I would hope I could have the ability to give my child the best of both worlds. The structure of school and it's exposure to core concepts and the way the world outside the home can be, and the spark to follow what they had intrest in and providing the one on one attention that often gives homeshcool children a advantage. I just concerned that in the decision to homeshcool, the pendulum doesn't swing so far in the opposite direction that the child suffers later from things not learnt now.
I'm a home schooler not an unschooler for some of the reasons you mentioned.
I suppose there are two paths, do you want to develop a specialist? Take for example the homeschool child that paints. There is a child I'm thinking of, she paints these amazing paintings of Jesus. If that were my child I might consider letting her do what she wants everyday. If we were training my child for the Olympics,which we are not, I might consider unschooling.
The other path to follow is the development of a well rounded child/person. With this path the student learns a variety of different subjects and how those subjects connect to each other. My daughter has math everyday, loop schedule other subjects and we periodically do writers workshops that can take up to 4 weeks to complete. That's one of the many reasons I took her out of public school in Texas. They were doing almost no writing and 0 creative writing. They most likely never will, it takes too long to work with kids doing writing, it takes too much one on one attention. Watch a video of 5th grade teacher's teaching writing and you'll see what I mean. I was a history major/ Spanish minor, in college and your right, you need a sweeping view to understand the context of specific events. Many periods of history have events or periods or aspects that over lap. Example: industrialization./Immigration +potato famine/abolitionist movement/Western movement and native American displacement/ the guilded age. All of that is seen through a clearer lense if you understand how the civil war played a role in Western movement when it ended vs. before the civil war.
Part of things I'm planning would be considered unschooling, like taking my daughter to eat Vietnamese food as part of a course on food and nutrition.
I say just let parents do what they see fit. It's very clear that we don't all end up on the same level in this society and most of us are doomed to stay in the same class we were born in or most likely, do worse. Now that we have the destruction of the middle class it's all for nought anyway.
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We use a minimal curriculum, but the unschooling philosophy is why my 14yo has taught herself Japanese, my 12yo has learned to play Chopin and Beethoven from RUclips tutorials and is also composing his own pieces, my 8yo has planted our vegetable garden and takes care of our baby chicks without being asked, and our 11yo has decided to learn to milk our sheep. They just can't help themselves. Learning is built into humans. If we just stand back and allow them to do it, it's amazing. If we cram them into factory schools and crush their autonomy and individuality, well... Just look where that's gotten us.
So they grow up and quite literally have no knowledge. How can they possibly function in society without knowing basic ideas and principals.
Tbf, I know a lot of people who went through traditional schooling, graduated, and don't function very well in society either lol
+stupidflounders True, but this shit is beyond belief. Childhood is just a tiny part of life
+Throwawayaccount1111136 BUT! It's the most important.
Actually unschooling and sudbury model schools teaches children how to teach themselves and time management. As far as career paths they are more likely to get jobs in art and design (x40), Forestry (x12), Social Services (x10), Computers and math (x6), Entertainment and Media (x6), Hard sciences (x4), Management (x3), Business and Finances (x3), Education (x3), and as Lawyers (x2). They are less likely to work in restaurants (x3 less likely), transportation (x7 less likely), or as a factory worker (x8 less likely).
If you can show me evidence of that then I'll believe you. But sounds a lot like bullshit. Jobs involving law etc require too grade qualifications which these kids don't have
Thank you for sharing this balanced view on unschooling, it was more interesting than the other videos I've watched so far :)
What if they went to school and they found out they enjoy subjects, such as chemistry, biology, English, social science. They have other stuff like home ec, music, art, digital imaging, drama! clubs such as, art clubs, sports clubs, my high school had a knitting club! robotics, swimming and tons more! A lot of what they are doing at home is basic stuff you learn as you grow up and it doesn't mean that they are educated. Figuring out how to bake a muffin doesn't mean that you are educated! it's just something you enjoy and so you practice more. School is only 8 hours so they can explore the world after.
magali castro I don't really agree with unschooling but these kids seem to have like science books and stuff so they could probably easily become interested in that with their rescourses
True! I hope they do well.
I had the opportuniy to be a high school student for 1 year in Canada and it definitely was a school full with clubs and different opportunities. I suppose unschooling makes sense in countries where curriculum is too formal and exhausting -such as Brazil...
Samuel Rw yeah I guess you're right and yeah here in canada, they have schools that offer different programs and activities :P
Very happy to know you´re from Canada. :)
a 5-year-old who doesn't know the alphabet.. an 8-year-old who can't read. That is very concerning.
ConcreteAngelx3 Not really, they’ll learn it. They’ll need it sooner or later
ConcreteAngelx3 in Finland they don’t start formal schooling until they’re 7... so saying that all kids need to know the alphabet by age 5 is purely based on your own assumptions, not facts.
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How are you going to get into college if you don't know math? She never once talked about teaching the kids math. I'm not sure exactly how it works in Australia but that pointless math that you learn in middle school and high school is a platform for what colleges will force you to take in the future for you Gen-Ed
the unschooler would ideally teach through life (for example baking, carpentry, remodeling which I've actually had to bust out calculus for, etc). and mathematically inclined children would be able to teach themselves the way you or I would teach ourselves a skill we need. I recall in college I had an advanced calculus class that I was uncomfortable attending so I ditched it but read the textbook and still got an A - if you learn how to learn by yourself while you are young then it's easy, which is what these people are trying to promote. that being said, it requires a parent who doesn't actively spout off "we don't need algebra!!!" which I unfortunately hear more than I like in this community. I don't know why so many have it in for math which is a useful skill we use daily.
the problem with unschooling and home schooling is how dependent it is on the wisdom and smarts of the parents.
They learn how to teach themselves. That is probably why they usually get in the top 10% in grades on the college entrance exams...
Jacquelyn Peters
Kyle Miller that's bs. I love learning but there are still somethings I would never learn on my own without being forced to, and only after I realize it's use and application to my understanding of the world. Education is a gift and it has given me freedom to explore so much about the world.
Rose J
Can you give a more detailed example?
I honestly can't see how this prepares a child for entrance into college. They would not have the basic knowledge needed for college or for life in general. What child is going to choose math, history, etc.
www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/unschooled-kids-have-few-problems-once-they-hit-college-180952613/
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The problem is that when kids go though unschooling, they don't learn structure. You need structure in the work place. When the boss says you need to do something and you say "oh, well i feel like doing something else: it won't work well.
justbenice x I didn't believe she's raising workers. These children will probably work for themselves. That's the point of them learning in a different style. They are not the norm
justbenice x they will most likely be the self employed,or entrepreneurs.
And if they are at a job with a set schedule then they can absolutely understand and do that! You don’t have to run on a schedule for your entire life to be able to do it as an adult
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The only thing I don't like about this is the fact that parents are claiming that they can do just as well teaching their children as a teacher could. Meanwhile I'm working towards my teaching credentials, going to several classes including child development, educational foundations, and several other courses that 1. Are NOT easy, and 2. Are advanced. Teachers train extensively for YEARS just to become a teacher. It's like saying "I can be my child's doctor just as well as any other doctor" LIKE...NO. YOU DO NOT HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE YOUR CHILDS DOCTOR, DENTIST, ETC AND YOU DO NOT HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A TEACHER.
Your passion is to educate children and this why you have opted to be come a teacher. What you don't see is that raising children goes WAY beyond education (in the book sense). You do not need any credentials to teach children basic math, reading, writing (grammar, spelling), science or any other subject. Any parent can teach their children these basics and give them a love for learning so that when they are older (and maybe mom/dad are no longer credential worthy), they can research and learn on their own. We do not unschool our children, we have structure and they are required to learn certain subjects, even if they are not interested in it. But with homeschooling, you have the freedom to take more time on something they are struggling with or to lay it aside and come back to it. Or to let them be creative and pursue something on their own, which many times sitting in a classroom setting will not allow. They are learning to cook, use a washing machine, clean a bathroom, help a neighbor, enjoy free time for what they are interested in. Education is not having your nose in a book or cramming your head with facts - it's learning how to navigate life.
She not taking any part in her children's learning sitting in a chair, eating and playing on her phone. Shouldn't she be discussing what they're reading? Idle. Too Idle to get them up and to school, too Idle to teach them at home. Children needs adults to lead their learning sometimes, it's just how it is. Children don't always like all subjects, they need encouraging to do those subjects by making them fun. We would create opportunities for children who didn't enjoy mark marking/early writing to do so without really realising they're doing it. Make a role play garage, put a note pad for them to write what's wrong with the cars etc. These kids would be allowed to ignore writing abd mark making. We did have play based learning, but there's time for adult lead learning.
I also believe you should have to show a level of intelligence suitable for teaching children.
Lazy unparenting
This is very different than the unschooling family blogs you see from the US. A lot of those families won’t say no to their kids, have no rules, and no punishment. Their kids can eat cake and soda for dinner, and climb on furniture. What this family is doing is more like a home version of Montessori schooling, which is great for some kids, but not all. A for the 8 year old not able to read, I think they do need to incorporate some structure to help catch her up because you cannot go to college with mom reading for you. She might also have a condition that may need a specialist. You can’t find that out by just practicing at the same level she is currently on, and it will impact her ability to function of the issue is not addressed and properly addressed.
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Homeschooling is perfectly okay. Kids are just learning at home and usually they are immersed into other activities like football,soccer, and choir. But unschooling children isn't healthy. Yes it might but fun for the time being but what happens when the child is 18 and can't read over a grade 4 level? What happens when they no nothing more than 3rd grade math? School is extremely important. Trust me, if you were going to the doctor to have a kidney transplant and the doctor said to you, " I never picked up a book or practices this before, but i certainly played outside and watched tv all day." You wouldn't be concerned?
Jamya Blakney exactly what I thought too!! Homeschooling can work if the parent(s) are willing to put in the effort to teach their kids as a school would but unschooling just cannot work. They all just want their kids to have fun constantly, and the poor kids are going to have a rude awakening when they need to find a job or they want to get into college and realize that learning and discipline isn't always based on what they want :/ I feel bad for these kids
What about unschool then taking your exams as a private candidate (someone who never went to school) then attending medical school?
The mum is clueless about reading, the child should be holding the book, taking control of page turning themselves. I'd love this documentary to re visit in ten years
Interesting fact. I learned reading without being in charge of the book. I was read to and knew what I was doing by the time I got to school. As far as I understand, the school finished what I was already well on the way to doing. It’s different for everyone
Great vid! One point, Dr Zingers opening salvo is a logical fallacy and cites no references to back it up... Food for thought.
Jeff Burnz I think Dr Zingers was only included in the video to give a bit of counter-argument, so the whole video appears more objective. I wouldn't get too caught up on his views :)
I can see why some people want to homeschool their kids and I'm fine with that but this is insane. How are these kids going to function in the real world?8
+sammy jean so do you think the school is the real world? Hmmm, I don't think so. However children don't need to "function", unless you consider them as machines
LaStanzettaInglese Well most jobs are 9to5 and have a strict schedule and consequences and that's what school teaches . You may not use 3/4 of the stuff you learn in school but it teaches structure and homeschool does the same thing. If you don't do well and fail a class, you have to take it again or not graduate. If you don't show up to school you get detentions or suspensions like in real life when you don't show up to work you get fired. When you don't turn in work on time you get a zero. When you don't turn in your stuff on time at work you can get fired or if you don't pay your taxes on time the irs can charge you with tax evasion. In homeschool if you don't do your work you don't graduate or your late. It is as simple as that. You learn things like that from schooling and how to function in the real world. The real world is t a free for all like in unschooling.
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***** I think most schools let you go to the bathroom if you need to.
Actually unschooling and sudbury model schools teaches children how to teach themselves and time management. As far as career paths they are more likely to get jobs in art and design (x40), Forestry (x12), Social Services (x10), Computers and math (x6), Entertainment and Media (x6), Hard sciences (x4), Management (x3), Business and Finances (x3), Education (x3), and as Lawyers (x2). They are less likely to work in restaurants (x3 less likely), transportation (x7 less likely), or as a factory worker (x8 less likely).
This is CRAZY af. I agree the system is broke but God damn, teach your kids the basics including MANNERS!!
Etiquette is taught at my homeschooling co-op. It is NOT being taught in public, private nor parochial schools.
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Think you might be interested in this. The Antiacademic Doctrine: Introduction Something I started independently about 17 years ago.
Damn I wish I were you.
You should learn more than just the things you love. Otherwise, you are not a very well-rounded, educated person. It is incredibly conceited for a parent to think that children should only learn from the child or parent's perspective. I kind of feel like some of these parents have no interests in their lives and so choose to dominate their child's life. Geez, give them a break from you once in a while. They need freedom. You are the ones stifling them.
SG F Ironic you say she’s stifling them when school is the one making you learn stuff you’re not really they interested in, stifles freedom of association (getting bullied? Tough, they’ll be waiting for you tomorrow, don’t get on with people in your class? Tough. Want to explore your creative side? Tough, school will beat that out. Want to continue studying a subject past the bell? Tough, you must obey the bell). Most of the stuff you learn, you won’t need or even use and will likely forget (and if you forget it, did you learn it?) whereas if you learnt it out of interest your chances of remembering it go way up.
Home education, let’s you do it exactly the way you want to do it
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In life, there the best way to go about things is to have a happy medium. Is it good to let children just do an learn whatever they want to? No. Is it good to dictate the children's activities all day long? No. The problem is that childhood is a time where kids are learning about the world. Part of this means that kids have to learn that there are times when they do not get to decide what they do all the time. A person can't go to the boss and just tell them that they don't want to do anything today. That would be a great way to get fired! Life involves some choices and sometimes where there are dictated things that you have to do. "Oh, I don't like filling out my taxes, so I just choose not to do them." isn't going to work in life. Teach children that there are some things they have to know and that it is great to have activities and interests and things that you do because you choose to love doing them. I would also like to point out that a good teacher can make learning very fun and enjoyable. I could take out the play doh and teach lessons about colors, shapes, textures and counting while the kids are enjoying themselves. Now, that is how learning should be done. Learning what we need to but in the most enjoyable way we can do it.
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How can 1 school teacher give a child all they need ? a teacher who has no where near the interest to see your child thrive as you do. Grades for 7 year olds its bullshit I hate school.
Can u say cps
Impressive...
She sais "university" so weird.
yes if done correctly homeschool works.. but Im unsure about the unschool stuff
maiahlynn it's just them learning what they want, when they want. They still learn, just not in the traditional way.
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This is bullshit! These kids won't know anything as adults.
so much more interesting to learn a little bit of everything and THEN make the choice of dropping if you dont like it . I believe the US school already offer these options no ?
UrbanGirl Paris But is unschooling you CAN learn a little bit of everything! You can learn anything you like, anything you have passion for. And as your personalities changes and you grow you can learn more things... Maybe drop some and some some more. It's life... We learn this way throughout adulthood too. You can learn a little bit of everything without needing to sit in a classroom and write it down. Children already learn everything they need in daily life - and they study and learn what their interests guide them to.
mizzi101 when I say , learn a little bit of everything", i meant "fit in" a little bit . , or else other people will always know things that you don't , and you don't want that . the total lack of structure is more a disadvantage than anything . If I had kids I'd rather home school them than unschool them.
UrbanGirl Paris It doesn't matter how much you learn, there will always be things that other people know that you don't know. What is wrong with that? Life would be pretty boring if we could never learn anything from anyone :)
Besides, many unschooled children either request or establish some structure in their learning. It depends on their learning style, which varies immensely between each child. The trouble with traditional schooling is that it assumes that all children learn the same way, and punishes those who don't.
Nicolas Connault let's just agree to disagree.
UrbanGirl Paris Disagree about what exactly? Maybe we do agree?
This is so stupid. Yes, with this unschooling method they can learn to read, write, and do basic math. But how are these kids going to learn about George Washington, Christopher Columbus, ect. How will they learn algebra or how to write essays??
+Ariadna Tskhovrebova They will learn what they need and desire to know. They still can go to college and Univesity however.
+LaStanzettaInglese How are they going to go to college or university without a proper education???? Homeschooling is one thing, this unschooling bullshit is quite another.
and why is it important that we learn about those people?
+Zeleros71324 You're kidding, right? Those are not just random people. These are very famous people in history who you need to know about. Its embarrassing if you dont know who those people are. Obviously if you are from another country and are studying in another country then you dont need to know American history. Like people from Chrina for example dont need to know about American history unless they plan on living in the United States and becoming U.S citizens. It is important that you know math, english, history, geography, and science. You dont need to be perfect in every subject. But its important to know general knowledge. I mean seriously, how would someone who is from the United States and and lives in the United States not know who Christopher Columbus is, or who George Washington is. Thats basic knowledge that you need to know. How do you expect to get a good job in the future?
Ariadna Tskhovrebova so if I wanted a job in the U.S, I need to know who they are? I highly doubt that. I think all history is pointless to learn about, even my own country's history. I honestly couldn't care less about the war of 1812, or the seven years war
Dr. Zeno is so full of it. Reading isn't hard to learn, if it was difficult, 5 year olds wouldn't be doing it.
Please check out 'The Catholic Unschooler' to learn how to educate children without school! Thank you!
Good luck getting a job with a decent salary if you are unschooled, let alone getting a high paying job.
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this is a terrible idea
morgan nicholls why?
Said the person who didn't capitalize her sentence or use a punctuation mark...
I think you should have four years of education in some revamped public school system so you can learn all the basics about all the Core subjects etc. Then you can go get unschooled now knowing all the abilities needed to continue their true passion.
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