#129 - Unschooling: Embracing unstructured learning at home | Dave ten Have & Dr. Casey Means
Jun 8, 2022
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Dave ten Have, co-founder of Levels startup team, and Dr. Casey Means, a medical doctor specializing in metabolic health, discuss the concept of unschooling, its benefits, and how it differs from homeschooling. They explore the unschooling curriculum, teaching subjects you don't know, the ebbs and flows of unschooling, getting rid of artificial milestones, and the impact on Dave's life. They also touch on the importance of learning, navigating screen time, and finding a balance between work and family.
Unschooling allows children to determine their own interests and learning path, emphasizing independence and a love for learning.
Unschooling provides flexibility in learning by allowing children to guide their own education based on their interests.
Unschooling promotes self-directed learning and creativity, nurturing emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Deep dives
Unschooling: A Self-Directed Approach to Learning
Unschooling is a form of self-directed and unstructured learning that is gaining popularity. Rather than adhering to artificial milestones, unschooling allows children to determine their own interests and learning path. Resources like books, Khan Academy, and hands-on activities are provided to support their learning. Unschooling emphasizes that learning happens throughout the day and in various settings, not just within set hours. There is a focus on nurturing curiosity, independence, and a love for learning. While there may be periods where certain subjects are less prioritized, overall growth and progress occur organically. The approach promotes freedom from self-doubt and guilt associated with standardized education. Unschooling allows for the development of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Creating an Unstructured Learning Environment
Unschooling differs from traditional schooling and homeschooling in that children take the lead in directing their own learning. Rather than following a predetermined curriculum, unschooling allows for individual interests to guide learning. Various resources like books, Khan Academy, YouTube, or hands-on experiences are made available to support and enhance their interests. Learning is not limited to specific hours, and parents actively look for opportunities to teach or share knowledge based on the child's interests. Unstructured time for play and exploration is an essential part of unschooling, promoting gross motor skills, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world.
Balancing Structure and Autonomy in Unschooling
Unschooling provides children with the autonomy to guide their own learning, with parents acting as facilitators. While there are no rigid milestones or academic deadlines, certain subjects may require more attention and guidance. For example, if a child shows interest in reading, additional resources or a structured reading program may be introduced. Unschooling allows the flexibility to lean into the child's interests and adjust the level of structure accordingly. The approach encourages self-motivation, curiosity, and exploring topics of personal interest. It strikes a balance between allowing children to direct their learning while ensuring that necessary skills and knowledge are fostered for their overall growth.
Unschooling and the Power of Self-Directed Learning
Unschooling promotes self-directed learning and creativity. Children are seen as innate learners, and the focus is on exposing them to resources and experiences that align with their interests. Learning happens organically throughout the day, and the availability of resources like books, educational programs, or hands-on activities support children's learning journey. Unschooling emphasizes the joy of learning and the absence of rigid milestones, eliminating self-doubt and guilt associated with standardized education. The approach not only develops academic skills but also nurtures emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
The Intersection of Unschooling and Family Values
Unschooling aligns with a connection-driven approach to life and the land. Building on the concept of a custodial relationship to the land, unschooling emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature, health, and family. New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and its relationship with the Maori First Nations people deeply influence the family's values and their custodial approach to the land. Unschooling provides the opportunity for children to understand and appreciate the land, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for future generations. Through unschooling, the family promotes a holistic approach to education, incorporating the values of respect, connection, and sustainability.
How could unstructured learning help your children? Here’s a look into how a Levels team member is “unschooling” his kids using the self-directed, unstructured methods and how it differs from homeschooling. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.
Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.
Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.
🎙 What Levels’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Casey Means and Lead Software Engineer Dave ten Have discuss:
(03:33) – What is unschooling?
(05:35) – What does unschooling curriculum look like?