The 10 Best Resources For Unschooling

Resources for those of us who lean toward child-led learning tend to be hard to categorize which is why you often are unable to find help if you are new to the philosophy of unschooling. The unschooler tag just seems to be a convenient place to box in those homeschoolers that don't utilize certain curriculum. Often, thus labeled the assumptions are rampant and deceptive. I had been homeschooling for over 10 years before I realized that others considered me to be an unschooler!

Very quickly an unschooler is anyone that does not educate their children by either the public/private school system OR the traditional curricula based homeschooling system. Rather they allow their children the freedom to learn in a more natural way...which does not necessarily mean a more irresponsible way.

1. A good set of encyclopedias: This would be a no brainer to me except I have noticed that more and more people are getting rid of books are using the Internet as their primary source of information. This is not smart to me because the Internet can go down, your computer can crash,your electricity can go off, or numerous other things. My other concern is that kids no longer know how to find things in reference books. I have 2 sets of encyclopedias, both pre 1950. You can laugh if you want but the articles are wholesome and well written, and while some are out of date, most of them are helpful. My favorite set is a set of Book of Knowledge which have history, science, poetry, literature, arts and crafts and many other subjects in each one. Check thrift shops and places like Salvation Army. I saw a set there not long ago for less than $20.00

2. Books: Lots of them. The more books that are around on many different subjects the more likely your child will pick one up and read it. Again, these can be found at garage sales, thrift shops,-nearly anywhere, for pennies. Think of books as being similar to having healthy "intellectual snacks" available.

3. A Library Card: Most libraries have both computers and a good selection of children's books to supplement what you have at home. The library, in my opinion, should not be your primary source of books because you can't control what they carry. By this I mean that I have been very frustrated with our library over the years as it carries many "mental fluff" books and few good, solid pieces of literature for kids. There may be times you can't get to the library, or if you live in a rural area you may be far from one. Utilize this resource but don't depend on it.

4. Microscope: Most kids become fascinated with looking through a microscope by around age 8 or so. Have a good one available so that they can create slides of what they are interested in.

5. Telescope: Looking at the stars, learning about constellations is a natural desire for kids. A telescope provides a way to encourage their interest further.

6. Field Guides: Flowers, animals, fish, trees, even historic homes can be identified with field guides. Learning to identify things helps children to understand them and creates a natural love for learning.

7.Musical Instruments/ Art Supplies: Even if it is a drum, a recorder or a tambourine give children the opportunity to make music. The same with art supplies. Do not buy your child coloring books that teach him to color in the lines, something someone else has created but foster his own creativity by providing him with lots of blank paper, crayons, chalk, paints, modeling clay, and glue.

8. Computer with Internet: Computers are an excellent resource. They just should not be the primary one. My kids have learned alot of history playing computer games like Crusades and Caesar. There are numerous programs that help children learn everything from history to algebra, as well as websites with printable materials. I have my older kids create websites and blogs to help them with both communication and computer skills. Having email pen pals helps them learn about other cultures.

9. Netflix or similar: What??? Yep. Netflix and other online movie rental places carry numerous documentaries, historic movies, and other things that are really helpful. Choose as episode of Nova to enjoy as a family and discuss or a documentary about the landing of the pilgrims. For younger children there are fictionalized accounts that can spark a conversation and learning experience. An example of that in our lives is the movie, An American Tale. It came out in the 80's and is about a turn of the century mouse that immigrates with his family to Ellis Island, and America. It goes into many of the troubles and trials immigrants to this country faced even though is is a cartoon. It has been a discussion starter for us every time we have watched it.

10. Interesting Adults: Cultivate a variety of friends that have a passion for living and for what they do. Cultivate that in your own life as well. We have had missionaries from Uganda stay at our home and this sparked an intense desire in one of our children to do a missions trip to Uganda. When the farrier comes to trim the horses feet the kids like to watch him and talk to him about what he does and how he does it. As kids are exposed to many adults and many interests they expand their interests as well.

There are many things in the above video I don't totally agree with, however the truth is that children don't need to be forced to learn. They need to be encouraged to find their passion for life, for learning, for finding out. As children are given the opportunity to delve deeply into the things that fascinate them they often find new interests and pursue new avenues. Just because the local school system studies the Pilgrims for one month in second grade does not mean that your second grader should not enmesh himself in a study of the architecture of the Aztecs.

Once they get to the Jr. High and High School level they can start working on any gaps that they might have. You might find, as I have, that the gaps are nonexistent and that they have a thorough education at that point. Resources guide you and your child through the learning and growing process in an individual manner. Utilize them and watch your child bloom.