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Defining Unschooling / Life Learning Unschooling (which you may also see called life learning, self-directed learning, radical unschooling, or natural learning, to name just a few of the popular terms) is one of those concepts that is almost easier to define by saying what it isn’t, than what it is. It is informal, active education that results simply from living as if school doesn't exist. But that can be difficult to envision, because most of us attended school, with its passivity, control, and artificial motivation. So that limiting experience has become the norm, against which everything else is measured (and considered not to be education, or even deviant, scary, irresponsible, or "unparenting"). Our own experience with schooling has convinced us that learning happens only in a dedicated building on certain days, between certain hours, and managed by a specially trained professional; that children must be taught how to learn; that knowledge is sliced up and organized into various segments; that testing and grading is integral to learning; that children can't manage their own lives and learning; and that, if left to their devices, they would "do nothing" all day and make poor life choices. The articles in Life Learning Magazine (a few of which appear for free on this website) illustrate a different reality – one that is respectful of children, is based on trust rather than coercion; is personalized and interest-led rather than directed by parents, schools, or other "experts;" preserves the curiosity with which humans are born; and nurtures their independence and self-management. Unschooling / life learning is not easy for parents, because it requires us to be partners in our children's learning. That means we balance care, guidance, interaction, and communication with respect for our children's huge ability and eagerness to learn about themselves and the world in their own way and at their own unique speed. But the effort is worth it, allowing children to remain whole, happy, and empowered. And it results in independent adults who love learning in the same way they did when they were first born. Subscribing to Life Learning Magazine is the best way to develop a full understanding of the concept...which looks a bit different in each family and has a few basic principles (trust, respect, dignity, non-coercion) but no "rules." (A subscription to Life Learning Magazine includes access to our back issue archives so there are many contributors' ideas and experiences to learn from.) We also hope that the following articles will present you with a sense of this joyful, progressive, and increasingly popular way of living with children and young people.
The term life learning refers to a form of homeschooling that trusts children and avoids the trappings of school. It is sometimes called unschooling, radical unschooling, or natural learning. Life learning children live and learn naturally, with the support of their families, based on their own interests and their own timetables, and without curriculum, tests, or grades. Go here, here and here for a more comprehensive explanation.
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