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These days, traditional school, such as a public or private school, is only one of many options to get an education.
You've probably heard of homeschooling (I was personally homeschooled K-12).
But another method that isn't as well known is known as "unschooling" It's a method of education I've recently adopted for my boys using resources such as the book "Unschooling to University".
Many parents are frustrated by the school system, perhaps because of bullying, crowded classrooms, and outdated, dull, online courses. Disengaged learners that have no say in their coerced curriculum tend to act out, tune out, or drop out. Education must change and unschooling is the fastest growing alternative method of learning. T
wo decades ago, students registered with their local school based on their house address. Now, with the internet, students are borderless. Learning can occur anywhere, anytime, anyway and from anyone - including self-taught.
Self-directing their education, unschoolers learn through:
-Play
-Projects
-Reading
-Volunteering
-Games
-Sports
-Mentorship
-Travel
-Life
In this scenario, it's then the parents' job to provide an environment rich in resources: books, videos, cameras, computer and video games, workbooks, textbooks, projects, jobs, museums, field trips, volunteer programs, atlases and maps, science centers, zoos, museums, theaters, TV, toys, concerts, musical instruments, board games, mentor and apprenticeship programs, music, internet, libraries, instructors, living history parks, art galleries and supplies, sporting venues and equipment, science equipment, corporate venues, parks, travel, and many more.
In her book Unschooling to University, my guest on this podcast, Judy Arnall, explores the path of 30 unschooled children who self-directed all or part of their education and were accepted by universities, colleges and other postsecondary schools. Most have already graduated. She outlines that what children need most are close relationships - parents, teachers, siblings, relatives, coaches, and mentors within a wider community, not just within an institutional school.
Educational content is everywhere. Caring relationships are not. Families that embrace unschooling do not have to choose between a quality education and a relaxed, connected family lifestyle. They can have both. Judy is a keynote speaker and distinguished toastmaster who gives interactive presentations around the world.
She specializes in non-punitive parenting and education practices, and regularly appears on television interviews on CBC, CTV, and Global as well as publications including Chatelaine, Today's Parent, Canadian Living, Parents magazine, The Globe and Mail, Metro and Postmedia News. As a Certified Canadian Family Life Educator (CCFE), she teaches brain and child development, and family communication, at the University of Calgary, Continuing Education, and has taught for Alberta Health Services for 13 years.
She founded the non-profit organizations, Attachment Parenting Canada Association, and Unschooling Canada Association.
She is also the bestselling author of the following print and e-books:
-"Discipline Without Distress: 135 Tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery." (Translated into 5 languages)
-"Plugged-In Parenting: Connecting with the digital generation for health, safety and love." (DVD)
-"The Last Word on Parenting Advice." (A lovely little journal)
-"Parenting With Patience: Turn frustration into connection with 3 easy steps." (Translated into 2 languages)
-"Attachment Parenting Tips Raising Toddlers to Teens."
-"Unschooling To University (and colleges): Relationships matter most in a world crammed with content."
As a parent of five children, who were raised without any kind of punishment, Judy has a broad understanding of the issues facing parents and the digital generation. She is the proud parent of several university graduates who self-directed their education.
During our discussion, you'll discover: -When formal schools were first established, and why...9:00Click here for a PDF version of this episodes's show notes
Resources from this episode:-Book: Unschooling to University
-Book: Free To Learn (and Peter Gray's other books on Amazon)
-Books by Thomas Armstrong on Amazon
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