Learn how to start unschooling for homeschool, a homeschool approach that allows freedom in in education and promotes child-led learning based on children’s interests with this nontraditional learning path.
How To Start Unschooling
If you’re just exploring the topic of unschooling or planning on a transition to unschooling from homeschooling, it can be intimidating because it seems like somewhat of an abstract concept.
I mean, what is unschooling homeschooling?
And, is there such a thing as an unschooling curriculum?
What are the disadvantages of unschooling?
And, more importantly, is unschooled legal?
Let’s start at the beginning…
What is the unschooling method?
Unschooling is style that falls under the umbrella of homeschooling. With unschool, a child is allowed to lead in their learning without necessarily following a specific homeschool curriculum. Children are allowed to follow their own interests and curiosities during unschool homeschooling.
For example, maybe your child is obsessed with rainbows. In unschooling, they would follow their interest and learn more about rainbows — checking out books from the library, watching documentaries on rainbows, doing some STEM experiments on reflection and refraction to make their own rainbows, bake a rainbow layered cake, create rainbow art and so much more.
A parents job in unschooling is to assist your child in what they need (resources, classes, etc.) to follow their interests.
There’s no one how to do unschooling way because every child is different!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNSCHOOL MOVEMENT
New to homeschool? Start here: How To Home School Starting Now
How do I start unschooling?
- Check your state homeschool laws (or country’s homeschooling laws).
- Research and read unschooling books.
- Understand the differences in unschooling vs homeschooling.
- Deschool and let go of what you know about traditional school methods.
- Talk to your child about their interests.
- Provide books, games, and supplies that engage your child.
- Allow your child to lead in what they want to learn.
- Support your child in a mentor or facilitator role instead of a teacher role.
- HAVE FUN and remember that children learn naturally!
How can I legally unschool?
Homeschooling is legal in every state in America. Since unschooling is seen as a form of homeschooling, you can legally unschool in any state. However, homeschool requirements and laws vary by state. So, be sure to check your state laws.
How do I register for unschooling?
Unschool registration will depend on your state laws for homeschooling. In some areas, homeschoolers are required to register with the state, so follow the state’s guideline’s for homeschool registration and requirements. (You don’t need to call it “unschooling.”) Then, you can fit your state’s requirements into an unschooling schedule.
You may also find this helpful:
How To Unschool High School
Here’s what contributor Anita Byler said about transitioning to unschooling:
WHY UNSCHOOL
Transitioning From Homeschooling to Unschooling: One Mom’s Personal Experience
When we started homeschooling, from a place of shame and insecurity I chose a homeschool curriculum popular among my public school friends.
I compared myself to others and was determined to keep my children moving at the same pace as their friends in public school.
But with a stubborn, independent first grader and a fourth grader with some dyslexic characteristics, I soon fell flat on my face.
Homeschooling is hard and failure was hard to admit.
And, it was even harder to relax enough to pick myself back up!
I knew what we were doing wasn’t working for any of us, but I was so scared to admit what that meant.
What it meant was that I had failed with scheduled homeschooling, and my family and friends would find out.
It also meant that I would have to figure out what next for us.
And, I’d have to learn to look at my children and education in a whole new light.
Letting Children Lead
I soon learned that children are wonderful teachers… if we take time to listen to them.
I started listening to my first grader and noticed she was so hungry and eager with questions and very determined to move at her own pace.
It was then that I swallowed my pride and refused to make her read.
When we did pick reading back up, we started in an area where she was very comfortable and chose books that were fun and easy.
Just the other day she told me “reading is kind of fun.”
My fourth grader, wounded and stunted from past school experiences, found no joy in books and seemed to have lost a lot of childish curiosity and creativity.
That’s when we changed homeschool up and really started to understand how to unschool.
We started taking things very slow.
We focused on learning the things she was interested in learning.
We turned new concepts into conversations and hands-on experiences and returned to some of the very basics of phonemic awareness.
I learned I was happy to “miss” a whole year of school with her, if her independence and love for learning would return.
And it did!
This year I’ve loved watching her independently pursue learning, scheduling her own work, and losing herself in a book.
YES, unschooling really works.
We became an unschooling family.
Also check out this related topic:
SURPRISING Benefits of Boredom in Learning
Flexibility of Unschooling
And, let’s not forget about the flexibility of being unschoolers.
Recently, we had a sick day.
Days like that are when the flexibility of unschooling is a benefit.
On that day, we finger painted.
We figured out how to make foaming soap with a recipe I found online.
We measured and calculated.
Later my little one (who hates spelling) made a detailed, written treasure hunt for her sister — all on her own!
Last Spring, at the ending of our school year, I wrote this poem.
It stands most for what I learned that year:
We’ve cleared off the table, put the books all away. We’re off to the real school of childhood play.
Under the table surrounded by chairs we’ll argue of whether we’re wolves or we’re bears.
Down by the creek on warm sunny days we’ll dive in the ocean to swim with the rays.
We’ll bandage a dolphin attacked by a shark. We’ll map out the country like Lewis and Clark.
Out under the trees my sister and me, lying in silence, will wait for the si. (Irish fairies)
Deep in the covers on dark stormy nights, my old viking ship will be in a plight.
Out in the puddles after the rain I’ll pole my gondola on a Venice lane.
While counting the birds and watching the sky I’ll dream of the day when I learn to fly.
We’ve loved all our books, and yes, we’ve had fun.
But now that it’s summer my learning’s begun.
Hand your children the knowledge and let them run with it!
Don’t constrain children to grade level, book lessons, or expectations.
How do Unschoolers Turn Out?
You may have come here looking for unschooling horror stories or unschooling failures or information to arm you with why unschooling doesn’t work.
If that’s the case, you’re probably disappointed because that hasn’t been our experience with unschooling.
There are so many opinions out there about unschooling homeschooling.
And, honestly, I haven’t even begun to wrap my head around everything unschooling means.
I just know what happens in our home when I relax enough to let my children learn the way they learn best… and for us, that was unschooling!
Contributor Anita Byler writes at Little Moments Great Joy, covering the life of a mom navigating the enormous world of homeschooling. You can also follow her on Instagram.
I want to unschool but I live in a record-keeping state and I don’t know how to keep track of things for unschooling.
Hi Christiana!
Great question! The first thing you need to do is check the requirements for reporting for your state. (Is there a specific form, etc?) You’ll need to follow any guidelines it gives you for reporting.
When unschooling, just keep track of your activities. This includes lists of:
Books read (together, independently and audiobooks)
Games used for learning
Documentaries/television watched for learning
Any outside classes your child takes (do they take music outside the home?)
Field trips / nature hikes
Life skills (volunteering, pet care, chores, cooking, etc.)
If your child is old enough, they can also journal their day each day as a way of record keeping.
You can also keep a calendar of your daily activities.
Any of these should serve as record “proof” for reporting.
Hope this helps!
I am a retired teacher for children with special needs. I would like to open a homeschool for parents who need this type of environment. I am not quite sure how to start.
Hi Joan! What a great way to use your expertise. Can you tell me a little more about what you’re thinking? You best bet may be to offer a co-op (https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-a-homeschool-co-op/) or become a homeschool consultant.
My state only requires hours. BUT I have heard they don’t check them, at least not mine in the last year and a half of living here.
Would unschooling work for us?
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
You can still keep a record of hours even if you’re unschooling. So instead of Math workbook: 1 hour, maybe your day would like something like this:
Baked cookies (practiced math, reading, teamwork): 1 hour
Went on a nature hike (PE): 2 hours
Painted (art): 30 minutes
etc.
If your state requires you to keep hours, I would definitely keep hours for a “just in case” scenario.
I have a 12 year old son who is finding it hard in school he’s not his self anymore.He’s getting in trouble a lot for not taking his coat off talking and answering back now he finds it hard to follow all there rules i tried and had many meetings with his school to get him back on track as he was doing what they asked he’s got new mates and things started to change he’s unhappy and cause he’s got a reputation now the teachers are always on him he’s trying to change but the teachers use words like muppet ,diot witch i pulled them up on and now they wont use these words im wondering how to un school him as i believe they want him out if the school anyway he can’t stick up for his self as he gets in trouble and the other person doesn’t they tried telling me that cause there watching my sons behavior i said i find it unacceptable for them to keep picking on my son and not listen to him when he’s trying to be good and how can he when they refuse to listen to out he’s says now he messages me everythin so i can sort things out so he doesn’t get in trouble reacting
Hi Tina,
I’m so very sorry that this happened to you and your son. Homeschooling is a really great way to go for this situation. I recommend that you start with these posts to FULLY understand and help you get started:
1. How To Start Homeschooling Today in 5 Easy Steps https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/how-do-you-start-homeschooling-your-child-today/
2. What is deschooling (and why is it a must)?
https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-deschooling/
**DEFINITELY DON’T SKIP THIS STEP, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUR SON AND HIS SITUATION!
3. What Is Unschooling? | An Epic Guide to Everything Unschool
https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-unschooling/
Keep me posted on how everything goes! xo
Is 6th grade too late to start unschooling my daughter?
Hi Kayla,
This is a great question. It’s never too late to change/adapt to a method that works for your family — including unschooling! I recommend you first do a period of deschooling and then slowly transition into unschooling. Be sure to check out: https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-deschooling/
You can also do an eclectic mix (some classes, some unschooling–this is what we do). Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.
HI JACQUELINE
I am in Victoria and my 3 children have been out of school for 2 terms so far. We have had to homeschool due to Covid-19 restrictions. We have been paying the school fees in full and doing the work that the school has been supplying. I feel like a big change needs to happen because i don’t see a end to this. I’m not great with teaching and my patients are shot. I had someone recommend unschooling. It sounds very interesting but i have no idea where to start. Any information would be great.
Thank you
Hi Lavinia,
I think you are describing what so many are feeling!
Here’s where I would start:
1. Check your area’s laws on homeschooling and what is required of you. Every area / state / country has different laws and you need to understand them before officially beginning the process. This will help on how to get started: https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/how-do-you-start-homeschooling-your-child-today/
2. If I were you, I would officially transition to homeschooling by way of DESCHOOLING first for a period of time. Read more about it here: https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-deschooling/
3. THEN, after deschooling, you can move into unschooling. Read more about that here: https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-unschooling/
Let me know if you have any questions! Happy to help!
Hello,
I currently live in California, and I am wanting to pull my daughter from her traditional school, and start the unschooling process.
I live in Sacramento and am finding it difficult finding information and/or a charter I can enroll her in that supports unschooling.
Can you offer any tips?
Hi April,
Unschooling is a process under the bigger umbrella of homeschooling. Read this for more info: What Is Unschooling? Ultimate Guide to Everything Unschool https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-unschooling/
You may be able to find a unschooling co-op in your area. I would search unschooling facebook groups for your state/city/area. Those people will be able to answer your local questions.
Good luck! Welcome to homeschooling! This can help: https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/how-do-you-start-homeschooling-your-child-today/
How do you get started with unschooling homeschooling
Hi Courtney, Be sure to read this post: https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-unschooling/. It has all the info in it to get started. Then, let me know if you have any questions!