I am familiar with the unschooling philosophy, and I think this article was both accurate and fair. I know of families who unschool, but I don't know anyone personally who does it. I seriously doubt the claim that 10% of homeschoolers unschool.
However, I can see tremendous benefits to it - if done correctly. I can see how these children are more likely to be lifelong learners. Most children nowadays only do what's required of them, and then "school's out". Unschooled kids will most likely explore curiosities and research their interests throughout life. Many kids nowadays dislike school and view it as a punishment of sorts - something to dread. Unschooled kids will probably love learning and find it exciting throughout life.
Personally, I'm too left-brained to unschool. An unschooling parent must be creative and find teaching moments at all times. They must be excited about learning and find creative ways to incorporate education to even the most mundane life activities. I am NOT creative. I actually take pleasure in planning and scheduling! *LOL* Plus, when I'm doing something else, I'd have a hard time switching gears mid-stream to take full advantage of a teaching moment. I'm one of those super-focused people.
I can't imagine how unschoolers manage high school and required credits for kids who want to go to college. They probably don't follow any list of required courses for a university "path". Those kids probably score high enough on college entrance exams and have such impressive portfolios that college entrance is not a problem at all for them. As long as a child LOVES learning, they will learn much more than any child in a standard classroom using a set curriculum. I'll butcher Shakespeare by saying "all the world's a classroom". If guided properly, there's no limit to the education potential.
I think unschooling could be done right, but as you say with someone who is incredibly energetic and creative. Certainly, on a long term basis remodeling a house is not school, but it may be such a short term good experience that it's worth taking a year of school to do it. I am personally glad that I don't live in Maryland and am not required to justify what I teach to the state in my state - simple testing is required here. Time honored traditions of education I believe to be way more powerful in overall scope than "well studied" trends. However, I think that there are probably some that look to the term "unschooling" as a license to do what feel good to them, and skip on some necessities, which isn't in the best interest of the child.
I think the article was decent. Of course, I read it with caution, just waiting for that jab that usually comes.
I will say that I can't remember the majority of what I was force-fed in school.
Most of what I know - I learned on my own - by reading or researching things that I found interesting. Kids are no different.
But, you're right - you have to be consistent at teaching while you're unschooling, and not just allowing everyone to flounder in fluff all day. By fluff I mean tv & video games.
I'm like you - I have a need to be scheduled and have a plan to follow. Not always good for boys who like being creative in their own way.
This is my place of rest and reflection on my life and my home school. I am Terry's wife and the proud mother of three daughters (16, 12, and 4). Please make yourself at home as I ramble about our school, our kids, my job, my love of sports, current events... you name it! Oh, and by all means, leave a comment so I can visit your blog as well.
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