Beyond The Classroom: What Is Deschooling?
Whether you've experienced traditional schooling firsthand or are guiding your children through their departure from the public school system, it's crucial to recognize the necessity of deschooling as a vital preparatory step for embracing alternative educational paths.
The pervasive influence of traditional education is deeply ingrained in our societal fabric, making it challenging to break away from conventional norms without experiencing feelings of fear and doubt.
So, What IS Deschooling?
Deschooling is the process of eliminating schoolish beliefs from our way of thinking. It’s an opportunity to dive into understanding the intrinsic nature of childhood learning outside the confinements of the traditional school model and unravel the complexities of how children naturally learn, free from the constraints and expectations imposed by conventional educational systems.
As you embark on this journey you may find yourself endlessly searching for a blueprint of what unschooling should look like, only to end up feeling lost in a sea of conflicting advice. You're not alone. The truth is, unschooling isn't a one-size-fits-all approach—it's about living authentically as a family, and that looks different for everyone.
But why does it feel so challenging to embrace this simplicity?
From our early childhood years, we are conditioned to seek instructions in various aspects of life which disposes us to a mindset of relying on authority for direction. Many of us spent childhood confined within the walls of a school, where we were taught to follow instructions and conform to predetermined standards of success. Our creativity limited to structured projects and activities, leaving little room for self-expression and out-of-the-box thinking.
Yet, despite our desire to break free from these constraints, many of us still find ourselves seeking guidance as we navigate the transition to unschooling.
One thing I've learned along the way is that unschooling isn't about having all the answers—it's about embracing the questions and the uncertainty. It's about leaning into the unknown and trusting that your children's innate curiosity will guide them on their educational journey.
Deschooling isn't just about changing our approach to education—it's about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
During this process, it's essential to engage in self-reflection and discern between conditioned behaviors and our true selves. Authenticity lies in aligning with our core values and innate preferences, while conditioned behaviors are often shaped by external influences, societal expectations, and past experiences. By paying attention to our genuine reactions and feelings, we can uncover valuable insights into our true selves and pave the way for a more fulfilling unschooling experience.
“Most learning is not the result of instruction. It is rather the result of unhampered participation in a meaningful setting. Most people learn best by being "with it," yet school makes them identify their personal, cognitive growth with elaborate planning and manipulation.” ― Ivan Illich, Deschooling Society
Amidst this period of introspection, consider:
What were your earliest experiences with formal schooling, and how do you think they have influenced your views on education?
What expectations or assumptions do you hold about learning and education, and where do you think these beliefs originated?
How do you define success and achievement, and how has this definition been shaped by societal norms or educational standards?
Deschooling can often evoke feelings of panic, especially for parents transitioning from the structured environment of traditional schooling. It's not uncommon to experience moments of uncertainty or anxiety when it seems like your child is not actively engaged in structured learning activities. This panic may stem from a deeply ingrained belief that productivity is synonymous with learning, leading parents to question whether their child is falling behind or missing out on essential knowledge. However, it's essential to recognize that deschooling is a process that requires time and patience.
Children who have been accustomed to the rigid schedules and external directives of the school setting may initially struggle with the newfound freedom and autonomy that unschooling offers. They need time to adjust to having full control over their time and activities, learning to navigate their interests, passions, and pursuits independently. As parents, it's crucial to trust in the deschooling process, allowing your child the space and freedom to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace.
I understand the mix of emotions that can accompany this transition. It's natural to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed as you step away from the familiar structures of traditional schooling. But trust me when I say, the journey is worth it.
As you embark on this adventure of deschooling and unschooling, remember to be patient with yourself and your children. It's a process of unlearning as much as it is about learning, and it takes time to unravel the layers of conditioning that have shaped our views on education.
