The most fluid style of home education is unschooling.There is no set curriculum or boundaries for you and your child to create.Parents are concerned about allowing their children to be free.They can be afraid that their children will not learn anything, or that they won't be productive.When children are allowed to pursue their own interests, they will begin learning at a faster pace.
Step 1: The expectation of learning should be eliminated.
Children who have had some formal education are likely to have associations with the idea of learning.Most children think of learning as unpleasant or something mandated by an authority.Let them know that from now on, there will be no expectation of them studying for exams or learning a specific subject.Don't pressure your child to do any specific activity, even if you're afraid of wasting time or goofing off.Allow them to spend their time as they please, even if that means playing video games or watching TV for a long time.Depending on a child's experience of school so far, they may need more or less time to fully deschool.Be patient.
Step 2: In place of school, give a rich environment.
Provide opportunities for your child to engage with exciting ideas or people instead of forcing them to do certain things.Have your friends over for lunch or dinner.Ask your child what they think of the current events.It's a good idea to do interesting projects for your child.You can do home repairs, bake bread from scratch, take up a musical instrument, or do a craft project.Make sure you have fun with the toys and activities at home.Purchase the books or toys that you loved as a child.Don't force them on your child, but make sure they are available.You can invite your child.Go grocery shopping or to the library with your child.
Step 3: Your child has interests.
The main premise of unschooling is that children will naturally develop interests that will lead to learning.Take a look at what interests your child.Things that don't seem educational may lead to learning.A child can learn to read if they play video games.Baking cookies can lead to learning.Encourage a child to pursue something when they show interest.Help them learn if they get stuck.If a child asks what is 14 cup while trying to bake cookies, use this as a learning moment.If a child asks you to help them read the instructions for a game, take the time to teach them how to read them.Follow your child's interests closely.If your child shows interest in baking, you may want to take them to a local farm to see where the milk and eggs come from.
Step 4: You have the right to legally home school your child.
Depending on where you live, the legality of home-schooling your child will be different.It is relatively easy to register your child as a homeschooled person in most states.Make sure to look up the laws in your area so that you can continue to teach your child.In some places, you don't need to register until 30 days before the beginning of the school year.There is no requirement for a parent to have a certificate or qualifications in order to home school their child.If you feel overwhelmed by the process, you can seek assistance from a local group or website.
Step 5: A tentative schedule is what you should make.
The freedom of unschooling can make some children and parents feel bored if they don't have a structure.You can use a schedule to plan your days and weeks.Concrete activities should be included in the schedule as opposed to learning goals.The schedule can include goals, but avoid writing things like, "Monday: Practice reading, learn about mammal biology, practice fractions."If your child wants to build a treehouse or start a lemonade stand, you can put it on the calendar.Week 2 includes drawing plans for a tree house.Asking for advice can be done by visiting Aunt Vicky's woodshop.According to plans, begin building a treehouse in week 4.
Step 6: Help your child learn by creating situations for others.
The unschooler's parents are not expected to know everything.It's not healthy for children to only have one or two adults to learn from.Make sure your child is interacting with other people.Sign your child up for a class.It can be anything from a sports team to a class.Many parents form groups for their kids to socialize with.You can join a group.You can take your child to museums, zoos, or regional parks.
Step 7: You can participate in local events.
Since your child isn't in school all day, they have plenty of time to get involved with things going on in your town.Whether it's with you or on their own, look for events that your child can get involved in.You can find out what is going on by reading the newspaper.There may be an article about a community clean up effort, or a classified ad looking for people to foster puppies for the animal shelter.There are so many things to do if you just look.You can volunteer at a local charity with your child.Helping at the soup kitchen can teach your child good values as well as learning about the science of cooking.
Step 8: Tell your child the truth.
Now that you have full responsibility for your child's education, you may feel a lot of pressure.It is natural to worry that your child is not learning correctly or that you do not know enough to be a good teacher.Tell your child about your limitations when they come up.Say something like, "That's a really good question" if your child asks you a question and you don't know the answer.If you feel like you need a break, you can say, "I think I need some time for myself right now."While I take a rest, you should work on something on your own.
Step 9: The child should be allowed to learn at their own pace.
You should have started practicing this during the deschooling phase.Even if you are uneasy at times, it is important to let your child learn at their own pace.There is no correct pace at which children should be expected to learn.If a child wants help learning something quickly, such as reading or math, take that as an opportunity to help them.Make sure it is guided by their own interests.
Step 10: You should emphasize your support.
It is great to express your support and enthusiasm for your child when they are unschooled.This will encourage your child to pursue their interests, which will inevitably lead to learning.Don't be too critical.Try to hold your tongue if your child is spending a lot of time with activities you don't like.If you want to understand where your child is coming from, you can say, "tell me what you like about that TV show so much."You can show your support by saying wow.You spent a lot of time working on that today.It seems like you are struggling with that, but that is okay.It takes a lot of practice to get better.You are doing well.
Step 11: You can connect with other unschoolers.
People who have been unschooling for a while are a great resource.They probably have been through the same struggles as you and your child.Ask for support or get answers to your questions if you find a group in your area.Some unschoolers have great ideas for things to do.If your child isn't learning anything or has no productive interests, other parents may be able to assure you.
Step 12: Consider an internship or apprenticeship.
Try to help your child find a way to work in that area if they have a specific interest.Many professionals will be happy to have a young person around.Don't think your child will be paid for their work.Internships and apprenticeships are often not paid.Establish this before your child starts working to make sure they are paid.It is possible to look good in a college application portfolio if you have an internship or apprenticeship.Make sure the skills your child learns are related to their interests.If they decide to work with a fashion designer because of their interest in clothing design, make sure they aren't stuck in the wholesale shipping department packing boxes.
Step 13: Start looking at college options early.
There is no set graduation day or guidance counselor reminding your child of college application deadlines because you are unschooling.If your child is interested in going to college, look at options for a year or two before applying.Many colleges offer programs without majors or academic requirements.If your child wants a college experience similar to unschooling, these might be a good choice.Unschoolers who want to pursue a career in trade schools can do so.Ask the college admission offices about the documentation they require from homeschooled applicants.It will give you plenty of time to make sure you have what you need before applying.
Step 14: Register your child for college.
If your child is mature enough, register them for a class at your local community college or trade school.A non-matriculated student can often take a course at a four year college.Taking a college class shows colleges that your child can handle college level academics.Even if your child doesn't want to go to college full-time, taking classes at a community college or trade school can be great ways to supplement their learning once they're in their teens.
Step 15: Enroll them in SAT/ACT prep courses.
The SAT is a standardized test most colleges and universities require applicants to take.It is possible that your child will do well on the test.If you are worried that they won't do well on the test, you can enroll them in a course.If there aren't any courses in your area, you can sign up for an online course or hire a private tutor.Some universities don't require applicants to take a test.Inquire about the requirements of the specific institutions you are interested in.
Step 16: You can create a transcript for your child.
The equivalent of a high school education is what your child will need to demonstrate that they have completed.They have done a lot of work over the past few years.As a parent, you will need to translate that work into a transcript.The breadth of what your child has done as an unschooler should be shown in their portfolio.There are photos of them participating in activities, writing and artwork, and documentation of other projects they have completed.The way your child's studies fit into a traditional course of study should be reflected in the transcript.For example, the work a child has spent volunteering at a local farm becomes "biology" and "ecology." The local 10K they ran qualifies as "physical education."You can decide if you want to hold a formal ceremony for the presentation or not.