Unschooling: The Evidence-Based Benefits

In recent years, unschooling has gained popularity as a refreshing alternative to traditional education. This child-led, interest-driven approach to learning empowers children to discover the world at their pace, nurturing their natural curiosity and passion for knowledge. Unschooling can pave the way for a fulfilling and enriching educational journey.

As an unschooling mom of two with a master’s degree in child development, I have found ease and confidence in embracing this child-led, interest-driven approach to education. Witnessing my children thrive in their unique learning journeys has strengthened my belief in the power of unschooling. In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences as a parent and child development expert, highlighting the research based benefits of unschooling.

1. Personalized Learning Journey: Research shows that unschooling allows for a highly personalized learning journey tailored to each child’s unique needs and interests. A study published in the Journal of Unschooling and Alternative Learning, reflected that this personalized approach enables children to delve deeply into subjects that resonate with them, fostering a love for learning and promoting long-term academic engagement.


2. Cultivation of Intrinsic Motivation:
A research paper published in the journal Theory and Research in Education highlights that unschooling places a strong emphasis on intrinsic motivation. When children pursue what genuinely captivates them, they become self-motivated learners. This internal drive leads to a deeper engagement with the learning process, making education an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive that compels individuals to engage in activities for the sheer joy and satisfaction they derive from them, rather than external rewards or pressures. For children, developing intrinsic motivation is a crucial aspect of their overall growth and child development. As an unschooling mom with a master’s degree in child development, I deeply value the significance of fostering this intrinsic motivation in my children’s educational journey.

Intrinsic motivation plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and fulfilling learning journey for children. When kids are intrinsically motivated, their desire to explore and discover remains constant, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. This sustained curiosity drives them to seek knowledge continuously, fostering a lifelong love for learning. Unschooling empowers children to take ownership of their education, making choices based on their interests and passions, instilling a deep sense of responsibility and accountability for their academic growth.

Children intrinsically motivated to learn are more engaged and invested in their activities, willingly investing effort and time into exploring subjects they find fascinating. This heightened engagement leads to a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. Moreover, intrinsic motivation encourages children to explore subjects in a creative and imaginative manner, seeking innovative solutions to problems and understanding concepts in a meaningful context.

When children achieve success through intrinsic motivation, they develop a positive self-image and heightened self-confidence. Their achievements are not tied to external validation, which boosts their belief in their abilities and strengthens their self-esteem. Intrinsic motivation also cultivates resilience and perseverance in children, as they persist and overcome obstacles when faced with challenges, building a growth mindset.

Unschooling, with its child-led approach, plays a vital role in nurturing intrinsic motivation in children. By allowing them to choose their educational pursuits based on their interests and passions, unschooling empowers children to follow their curiosity and discover the joy of self-directed exploration. In this approach, children develop a strong sense of ownership over their learning, leading to heightened engagement, deepened understanding, and a love for knowledge that transcends the boundaries of traditional education.

I am grateful for the opportunity to witness my children develop intrinsic motivation, knowing it is laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and personal growth. By embracing unschooling, we celebrate the innate curiosity and individuality of each child, fostering an environment where their internal motivation thrives.

As children pursue their passions through unschooling, they develop a deep sense of self-confidence and belief in their own abilities.

Dr. Peter Gray


3. Holistic Development:
Studies have shown that unschooling supports holistic development in children. According to research conducted by Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist and advocate of unschooling, children engaged in this approach tend to develop higher levels of emotional intelligence, creativity, and social skills through diverse learning experiences that encompass art, music, nature, and community activities.

Unschooling, an approach that embraces intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning, has shown significant benefits for promoting children’s mental health and holistic development. As an unschooling mom, I firmly believe in the positive impact of this approach on my children’s well-being. Research indicates that unschooling reduces stress and anxiety commonly associated with traditional educational settings. By allowing children to explore their interests and passions freely, unschooling nurtures positive self-concept and a sense of worth based on their unique talents and achievements.

Moreover, unschooling fosters emotional intelligence and empathy through diverse social interactions, contributing to meaningful connections with others and enhancing overall emotional well-being. The approach also promotes resilience and coping skills, as children embrace challenges and learn from failures, gaining adaptability in managing life’s ups and downs. The flexible learning environment of unschooling allows children to prioritize their mental well-being and emotional needs, leading to improved mental health outcomes.

Unschooling empowers children to pursue their passions, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. This exploration stimulates the mind and nourishes their natural curiosity, positively impacting mental well-being. Additionally, the strong family bonds cultivated through unschooling play a vital role in supporting children’s mental health and emotional stability.

Research supports the idea that unschooling’s child-centered approach promotes better mental health outcomes. Studies have shown that unschooled children generally exhibit higher levels of well-being, emotional health, and life satisfaction compared to their traditionally-schooled peers. As an unschooling mom with a background in child development, I have witnessed firsthand how my children’s mental and emotional well-being have flourished through this approach. Unschooling’s focus on intrinsic motivation, individuality, and self-directed learning creates a positive and nurturing environment where my children’s mental health and holistic development are prioritized. By fostering a love for learning, supporting emotional intelligence, and nurturing strong family bonds, unschooling proves to be an effective path towards creating emotionally resilient and well-rounded individuals.


4. Flexible and Adaptable:
A study published in the journal Education Sciences emphasizes the adaptability of unschooling. The flexible nature of this approach allows families to cater to each child’s changing interests and needs. Unlike traditional curricula, unschooling enables a learning journey that evolves organically with the child.


5. Real-Life Application:
Numerous research studies have highlighted the real-life application of unschooling. As children actively participate in everyday experiences like cooking, gardening, and community activities, they gain practical skills and develop a deeper understanding of the relevance of their education in daily life.


6. Enhanced Critical Thinking:
Research conducted by educational psychologist Kym Paterson reveals that unschooling fosters enhanced critical thinking skills. Through hands-on exploration of subjects they are passionate about, children encounter challenges and solve problems, leading to a deeper understanding of concepts and a heightened ability to think critically.


7. Building Self-Confidence and resilience:
According to research by psychologist Alison Gopnik, children who experience success in areas of interest develop higher levels of self-confidence. In unschooling, as children take charge of their learning and witness their progress, they develop a strong sense of self-efficacy, empowering them to tackle challenges with determination and resilience.

Unschooling, with its emphasis on intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning, creates an ideal environment for children to develop vital resilience and coping skills. I have personally witnessed how this approach nurtures my children’s emotional strength and fosters their ability to cope with life’s challenges.

In the unschooling setting, children are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions, which fosters a sense of autonomy and ownership over their learning journey. As they encounter obstacles and setbacks, they develop the tenacity to persist and find solutions, building resilience in the face of adversity. This empowerment to take charge of their education helps them develop a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and learning.

The flexible nature of unschooling allows children to explore various subjects and activities, nurturing their adaptability and coping skills. They learn to navigate uncertainties and adapt to changing circumstances, essential qualities in the ever-changing landscape of life. Unlike traditional educational settings with rigid structures, unschooling provides space for children to explore at their own pace, allowing them to build resilience in navigating uncertainties and complexities in their educational journey.

Furthermore, unschooling offers a stress-reduced environment, devoid of the pressures often associated with standardized testing and strict academic schedules. Children in unschooling settings are more likely to experience lower levels of anxiety, which contributes to their overall emotional well-being and strengthens their coping abilities. They have the freedom to explore and pursue their interests, creating a sense of joy and fulfillment in their learning experience.

The supportive family environment inherent in unschooling plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and coping skills. The close parent-child relationship nurtures open communication, trust, and emotional support. Children feel safe to express their feelings, navigate emotions, and seek guidance when facing challenges. This emotional support acts as a buffer during difficult times, allowing children to develop effective coping mechanisms and emotional regulation.

Research has shown that unschooled children tend to exhibit higher levels of emotional well-being and life satisfaction compared to their traditionally-schooled peers. Studies conducted by educational psychologists have highlighted that unschooling nurtures emotional resilience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in children.

Unschooling offers a nurturing environment for children to develop resilience and coping skills, key attributes that contribute to their emotional strength and well-being. By embracing their interests, facing challenges with determination, and benefiting from a supportive family environment, unschooled children gain the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and confidence.

8. Empowering Independence:
A research study published in the Journal of Unschooling and Alternative Learning shows that unschooling encourages children to be independent thinkers and decision-makers. They take ownership of their education, set goals, and explore subjects autonomously, nurturing a sense of responsibility for their learning journey.

The joy of unschooling is witnessing children flourish as they follow their interests and take ownership of their learning.

Dr. Peter Gray


9. Lifelong Learning Mindset:
Research by educational psychologist Carol Dweck suggests that unschooling instills a lifelong learning mindset in children. By experiencing the joy of self-directed exploration, children develop a love for learning that extends beyond formal education, embracing curiosity and intellectual growth throughout their lives.

The evidence-based benefits of practicing unschooling revolutionize the traditional notion of education. Supported by research and citations, unschooling empowers children to become self-motivated, creative, and critical thinkers. It fosters a love for learning, nurtures individuality, and celebrates the uniqueness of each child’s educational journey. Through this liberating and enriching method, families embark on a path of exploration, discovery, and empowerment, laying the foundation for a lifetime of continuous curiosity and intellectual growth.

For support on learning to unschool confidently you can join my guided course on what you need to know!

Becoming The Wild Mother

The past two years I have been stepping away from the crunchy mom way of life and stepping into wild mothering.

For me, the transition was a natural part of my healing process. The last three years, especially the two after leaving my marriage, have been primarily focused on healing. I let go of bad habits, hurtful people, and primarily, mindsets that were impeding me from stepping into my power and flow within life.

Wild mothering for me, is allowing myself to be untamed and unimpeded in my flow.
My intuition, my joy, and my love for my life and love for myself lead the way – not fear.

It sounds like common sense – to live aligned with our intuition and out of love – but fear is so prominent in our current society it’s challenging for it to not get a hold on us.

When I had began my journey into the crunchy mom life, I was deeply influenced by fear. If I’m being honest, fear ran my life.

As soon as I was pregnant, the fearful comments poured in. Hospital birth is dangerous, home birth is dangerous, this and that problem can happen in pregnancy, etc., etc. No one ever asked what I intuitively felt was the best path for me, but rather tried to influence me towards what they thought was best using fear.

I’ve always said, I went into motherhood knowing too much. I had a BA in developmental psychology, an MA in child development and nearly ten years of experience working in the field. And while yes, that had its benefits, it also had its downfalls. I knew all of the research and was hyper aware of developmental milestones, typical development, developmental disorders, and the causes behind things not going “typical.” It was a lot of pressure and rather overwhelming feeling fully responsible for every little aspect of my child.

While outsiders projected their fears onto my motherhood experience, I also created a lot of fears around not be able to fully implement the “optimal parenting” I had learned getting my masters degree. But there is no optimal parenting – there is only healthy and aligned parenting. Once I released the idea of some optimal, perfect, way to mother, parenting became a lot easier with more flow and space to find my own ease with my children.

One of the first big life changes that led me in the direction of Wild mothering rather than crunchy mom life, was my free birth. I had made parenting decisions from my intuition previously, but they were also decisions made from fear, research, and outside influences. My free birth was a decision I made purely from wisdom. It just felt right for me.

Having a free birth that I truly loved seemed to free me in motherhood, and while I still had a lot of healing and learning to do after my free birth three years ago, it was the beginning of unraveling my fears and the control they had over my life.

“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories… water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.”

― Clarissa Pinkola Estés

To love motherhood, to be present within motherhood without resentment and without burnout, we have to release the hold our fears have on us and begin parenting from a space of trust. We have to trust ourselves to show up, to know what’s best, and to know that when we’re having trouble showing up in a way that’s aligned, we’ll learn how to become aligned.

Once we feel untamed and unimpeded, we can feel confident, secure, and even at peace within motherhood.

Featured

Disconnection – Shifting To An Intentional & Connected Life

 So many of us face the story of disconnect. Stuck in the cycle of rush, moving too quickly, to really pay attention to our present environment. A cycle that keeps many of us depleted, exhausted, and aching for something more. And there is a way to get more.

We can’t just say that we want the world to be different and keep living the same.

It’s our job to start living the way that we want to see the world change. That includes doing what we can to start creating more connection in our lives. From building communities, to slowing down in our own homes, to making home and connection the center of our lives rather than money and productivity. For me- this looks like child led homeschooling, practicing homestead skills like cooking from scratch and gardening, and slowing down to be more intentional in how I spend my time.

We can start living in ways that replenish our minds and our bodies rather than the ways that deplete us.

Reading, listening, and deep diving into my own passions, I have mulled over the idea of living a connected life time and time again. I do believe a connected life will look different for everyone but there are a few things that are core to living a more connected life: living aligned with what brings you joy, quality time with those you love, and community.

As we fall into a routine on our new 10 acres and old farmhouse – our farm – I noticed the days have become longer. As if I somehow now have more hours in the day, as if I can somehow now get more done with the same amount of time than I could before. I’m able to get my to do list done, for the most part, and still have time to rest and play. I thought maybe I would get overwhelmed running a farm on top of running a business and homeschooling, but honestly things have somehow felt easier. It is, of course, never perfect, and stressful moments still arise, but things are easier even though it’s technically more work, because I am doing things I love. The daily work nourishes me rather than depletes me as I flow through each bit of work with gratitude. It’s not about doing less but doing more of what feels you with joy, ease, and passion.

As we dove into our passions, as we heal, as we create more space for the things we love, we will start to fill a shift in our energy. I am asked nearly every day how I have the energy to do all that I do and everyone wants a quick fix or easy trick that will somehow make them super human and able to take on more than any human should, but the truth is the key is in setting boundaries, getting clear on your priorities, and realigning your life to flow with ease so that it takes less energy (if this sound likes what you need check out my Burnout to Badass Course where we deep dive and transform your life to take your energy and confidence back).

Burnout IS disconnection. Once we hit burnout, it’s nearly impossible to be present, even when we are doing the things we enjoy. We just cease to have the energy. There is a process of healing and recovery that must take place between burnout and connection, but it doesn’t have to be checking out of life. It can happen within community, within support, within connecting with ourselves our passions and those we love.

Let’s be the change we want to see. Let’s step into a space of connection and lead our families to a life of connection.

Mores Resources:

Child Led Homeschooling Course

Bear Become Aware: A Slow Living Book For Kids

Creating An Unschooling Environment

Unschooling is all about the child learning through engaging with their surroundings and then pursuing more deeply the concepts that spark curiosity and interest. The environment is key for learning to be a natural and smooth process. The environment should encourage children to explore their interests, learn from experiences, and pursue project based learning. Everything in the learning environment should encourage experimentation, problem-solving, creativity, and open-ended play.

The space should inspire children to direct their own learning. To create an engaging environment there are a few key areas to focus on – aesthetic, loose parts, natural materials, and basic resources. 

The space should allow time and space for a child to linger with an idea or project they are interested in.

Key Loose Parts

Wood Blocks

Play Silks

Stainless Steel Bowls

Sensory Bin Tools (Scoopers & Tongs)

Art Supplies

Modeling Clay

Watercolors

Chalk

Math Tools

Size Relevant Block Numbers

Counting Puzzle

Weaving Loom

Color Pie Puzzle

Play Clock

Play Money & Cash Register

Market Stand With Scale, Clock, and Cash Register

Magnetic Number Board

Geography Tools

Magnetic World Map

World Map Puzzle

Science

Anatomy Magnet Puzzle

Human Body Puzzle

Pretend Play

Wood Pretend Dentist Set

Wood Pretend Make Up Set

Farm Animals

Play Kitchen

Sensory Silks

Organic Baby Doll

Early Literacy

My Favorite Kids Books List

Alphabet Matching

My Favorite Board Games

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Easy & Healthy Ways To Start Living More Sustainable

You can create a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle regardless of where you are – an apartment, a frat house, or on a farm, there are little changes you can make to make a big difference.

Sustainable living describes a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earths natural resources, and one’s personal resources.

Wikipedia

Grow Microgreens & Sprouts

Don’t fret, I promise it’s easy! All you need to start growing sprouts is a mason jar, a draining lid, and seeds that work for sprouting! I also like to keep a drain stand and tray so I can keep them on the window seal, but they’re not necessary. Each seed pack will typically have their own variations but typically you soak the seeds for about 12 hours, drain and rinse, and continue to rinse twice a day for a few days until you have a lovely jar of sprouts! Seriously, it’s that easy!

“While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper”

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/microgreens#nutrition

My Favorite Organic Sprouts To Grow

Salad Mix

Black Oil Sunflower

Broccoli

Radish

Clover

Alfalfa

Quinoa

Grind Your Own Flours (Especially Gluten Free Ones!)

You can save SO much money by making your own flours, especially when you’re making organic, gluten free, or unusual flours. I love using quinoa flour for baking, but it’s usually ten dollars a pound! When I make it myself, it’s usually under three dollars a pound! You can also save money and get a better quality flour by making your own wheat flour. While a larger initial cost, a grain mill is a fantastic investment. While saving money on flours, you also get fresher flour with a higher nutrition content. While store bought flours are typically lacking nutrients, fresh ground flour is actually a super food!

“Grains are the seed-bearing fruits of grasses. The fact that grains are the seeds of the plant as well as the fruit and that life-giving nutrients are contained and perfectly stored within, make grains an incredibly nutritious food. In fact, of the 44 known essential nutrients needed by our bodies and naturally obtained from foods, only 4 are missing from wheat–vitamin A, B12, and C, and the mineral iodine.”

Sue Becker (Source)

Sow A Garden

Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can have a garden! My first garden was on a table inside my apartment! 

Add a small grow light and you can grow a lot of things indoors! Some easy starter plants are basil, rosemary, oregano, lettuce, kale, and radishes. If you have a small patio you can grow all of your own greens and maybe even more! Vertical gardening can extend your usable space to be able to grow more of your own produce.

Make Your Own Teas & Tinctures

Studies have found that some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encourage weight loss; lower cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness.

WebMD

Making tea is probably one of the easiest and quickest methods to living healthier while saving money! Teas have endless healthy benefits from lowering anxiety to preventing cancer, but as with all plants the nutritional value is highest when fresh.

What are your favorite ways to practice sustainability?

How To Grow A Creative Child

Five Ways to Encourage Creative Play In Your Child

Why Is Creativity Important?

Creative play supports cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills.

Creativity involves cognitive processes that transform one’s understanding of, or relationship to, the world.

The Conversation

Children explore their roles in the world and their impact on the world around them through creative play. It’s important for children to process and understand their world as well as express their emotions through creativity for emotional well-being.

Follow these easy tips to support your child’s development through creative play and building the skill of creativity!

Set Up The Environment

The environment is key in encouraging creative play. It is important to create a “no” free zone that children know they can engage in without criticism or many limits.

If it’s not possible to always have this space set up, you can get a large baby gate to section off an area that you can add toys or art supplies the child can engage with freely. Providing a playroom, if possible, is a great option as well. 

Simple Toys and Supplies

Research actually found children engaged more and formed more cognitive connections when using simple, wooden toys rather than electronic “learning” toys.

Keep simple toys that can be used for multiple purposes and imaginative play available at all times.

Schedule Free Time (or Don’t Schedule)

Always make sure there is time in the schedule for your child to engage in play without direction or a goal.

Ecocentric Mom box

Give Children Space

Simple, give children space to play on their own without direction. However, ignoring children or forcing them to have alone time will only create children to be more “needy.”

A child’s emotional and attachment needs must be met before they are interested in solo and imaginative play.

Role Model

Show your child how to use their imagination! Read some fantasy books together or grab a stick and pretend it’s a wand.

Teach your children it’s ok and even encouraged to engage in creative play and use things in creative ways.

 “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.”

– Maya Angelou

Finn + Emma Organic Baby

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