What is unschooling?

As a homeschooler, you've probably heard the term unschooling before. In fact, you may be an unschooler and not even know it. Before you jump to conclusions about what it means, let me clarify that it is not 'not teaching' your child. Unschooling is basically a very active learning process guided by the student's interest, personality and learning style. Since children are instinctively curious, unschooling aims to answer all those little and big questions that may not necessarily be discussed in a typical learning and/or school setting.

This method of teaching definitely is not by the book and can and usually does change from day to day. For some families, this method of learning is heaven sent. Busy families who love being outdoors and trying new things may find unschooling very fulfilling and convenient. A schedule may include a field trip, hours outside digging in the dirt discovering all kinds of insects, even building with Legos.

Unschooling can come in especially handy when your little one is learning to read. This exciting time in both a parent and child's life can be met with some resistance, however, choosing books in topics that the student favors can help kill two birds with one stone. They like bugs? Give them entomology! They like basketball? Give them sports! They like the beach? Give them oceanography!

Learning to read should be fun! Remember, you're setting the foundation for how they will feel about books and learning. Above all else, be patient with your little one and always encourage them and give them lots and lots of praise.