I was thrilled to come across this talk by unschooler astra taylor. She gives a fantastic talk about exactly what we did in our family. This talk was part of a series on Raising Creative Kids. We unschooled in this same way and we have had a similar life as well. We unschooled for ALL of Emma's life however. It's been an incredible journey for our family. Unschooling is a lifelong pursuit and this is how we have viewed the world in relation to learning. A few months back we were at a talk at UCONN with Derrick Jensen. He asked the question..."What are some of the words you dislike?". Emma raised her hand...after unschooling all her life...said "I dislike it when people say the word "educated". It sparked quite a conversation with Derrick Jensen...he wholeheartedly agreed that this idea that one can only be educated in a school comes from a closed system of thinking of people that have gone through the government school system. "This equation of learning with schooling is problematic," says Astra. An unschooling life is incredibly creative! Enjoy this great talk.
It is my hope that folks can maintain an open mind in regards to parent/children/families choice to unschool. Instead of being invested and judgemental about a very well thought out choice on the part of families that choose this lifestyle of learning, perhaps one would take the time to examine what it is that triggers some response in them. Just because my family chose to unschool does not meant that I don't see the value in other's choices. It's what has worked for us. I have never understood the strong negative reactions on the part of others, about what we choose to do. It does not impact them in anyway. We have also had more reactions of interest and curiosity than negativity I think in part because we were not invested in what others were doing with their journey of education. It's such a personal choice. I can see why some families cannot or choose not to unschool. It wouldn't work for them for a variety of reasons. I would maintain that the educational system can learn alot from the model of unschooling. I am open to discussing what our journey has been and even more importantly what Emma's journey has been and still is. I would welcome a thoughtful and dynamic conversation regarding the creative life that we have all led and are continuing to lead.
My daughter will be 18 in June and she has been unschooled since mid-first grade. I believe that it's one of the best decisions that we have made as parents.
There are so many positive facets, both in general and personally, but I have to say that it certainly is a great catalyst for authenticity and creativity. An unherded mind is a wonderful thing is a terrible thing to tame.
Posted by: soNOTcool :: Jodi Anderson | April 22, 2010 at 12:12 PM
I totally agree that creativity is a very important thing! But is it more important than any other human skill? And if we focus so narrowly on creativity and creative pursuits, is it not just the inverse of what is happening in many educational facilities? And is that any better? Is there some way to find a happy medium so as not to limit a child's choices as they get older? An option that allows them to pursue art, music, writing, science or pure mathematics and anything in between?
Posted by: amy | April 22, 2010 at 03:01 PM
Just followed a link here and wanted to comment on previous comment about creativity. Merriam Webster defines creative as such: 1 : marked by the ability or power to create : given to creating
2 : having the quality of something created rather than imitated : imaginative
Creativity does not preclude any other human skill it encompasses them all. Look at the worlds great thinkers - scientists, mathematicians,founding fathers, spiritual leaders and yes artists and musicians - what sets them apart from the norm is their creativity.
Posted by: Tracy Voss | April 23, 2010 at 07:40 AM
What about when they get out on their own? Are they able to get good paying jobs or will being creative enough suffice to pay the bills? Do these children go on to university or get diplomas?
Posted by: Helen Perry | April 23, 2010 at 11:29 AM
I think people look to much into the "creative" side of unschooling...if left to lead themselves, all children want to learn to write, to spell, to read, even do math. There comes a point in their life that they take on what we might call a more normal schooling, just at home. they might spend a great deal of time learning about one subject, like the Holocaust, and they have time to do it. I loved to learn about it in school, but never had a chance to really explore it to the fullest. Within that subject they can write reports, visit a museum, learn to do searches on the internet, read at higher levels...tell people about what they have learned (like a speech). I wish I had time in my adult life to learn about things of interest like this. I am seriously considering unschooling my kids.
My personal opinion from what I have seen is that our world has become way out of touch with life, and what it is really about. I think it is great to see people bringing their families back to what is important, FAMILY. Learning to love this life you are in, and finding out who you really are, not who society wants you to be!
Posted by: Stephanie | April 24, 2010 at 01:39 PM