School ~ Without the Goal of Education?

[ServinGsus]

"The principles of unschooling are that humans are born learners. That children will learn best when given the freedom to learn what, when and how they want.

The goal of unschooling is not education. It is to help a child be who she is and blossom into who she will become. Learning happens as a side effect." ~ Joyce Fetteroll

Let's think about this for a minute. The action of school without the goal of educating? I think it's brilliant! Obviously the in-place system of going to school with the goal of educating is not working as well as some might hope. Between no child left behind, lack of funding, social issues, and overpopulation, our children are not getting the attention they need to learn as well as they can. I applaud teachers and principles who give their all, and am in no way casting blame on those in the trenches; in fact, without those dedicated souls there would be no successes at all. It is simply the system that needs to be overhauled.

So what of those who opt to go the road less travelled? For them, that is the road that truly has made all the difference. There are children out there living life, with the world as their class room. Why is it that we, as a society, scorn these unique individuals? Why do we automatically apply labels to these people? I've heard them called everything from crunchy, hippy, and weird to irresponsible, un-American, and wrong. Could it be that we fear change? Could it be that another way -a successful way!- makes us question the existing system in such a way that might one day lead to demanding change, and that change makes us fearful? History is full of catastrophes that relate to fear of the unknown (one need only look at the Crusades, Salem, and the Civil War to see how decimating fear can be to a culture).

So what then is the issue? Is how one schools their child more important than what the child learns? I would rather instill a love of learning than apply a labeled method. I would rather give them the world at their fingertips than on a table in a room. I would rather hear them laughing and living and learning wherever their passions lead them than snuff out the light of learning by chaining them to the status quo. That, my friend, is the heart of unschooling.

It is giving your child the necessary roots to grow and the wings to fly wherever their dreams carry them. It is doing this by understanding that every child is indeed unique, with individual learning abilities, interests, and desires. It is tapping into those and allowing that child to reach their full potential not just in academia, but in everything! By allowing children to learn as is natural to them, to follow what ignites excitement in them, and to do what their hands itch to do is to fulfill dreams, expand horizons, and mature potential. And, as Fetteroll pointed out, learning is the beautiful side effect of this lifestyle.

Education is not just sitting in a schoolhouse. Education is learning, and that can be done anytime and anywhere - as long as the mind is willing. ~ Mentor Graham (Abraham Lincoln's teacher)

[mommylah]

Feb. 13, 2009 at 9:30 AM

Good for you, but as a working mom- "un-schooling" isn't an option for me. I am happy to send my children to school. It will give them an opportunity to learn in a different way, with different people, in a social setting with other children. And I can do all the other stuff at home. I'm not "afraid" of keeping them home, I simply choose a different route. And I don't believe they will be lacking anything. The only time school fails, is when parents fail at home. Anyone can send their kid to a building everyday and expect them to come out a genius. But if they think that education ends there, and let the kid do whatever they want when they get home, of course the system will fail.  If the parent fails to recognize the child is having difficulties and in turn does nothing about it, of course the system will fail. I have nothing against home schooling, it works for some and not for others. But I often wonder if home schoolers are missing valuable experiences they would gain in a classroom setting.

[ServinGsus]

Feb. 13, 2009 at 9:37 AM

Being as we're such good friends, I won't defend myself with the fervor I normally do *wink, wink*

But I totally don't see anything wrong with kids not being in a classroom.  What experiences do they get that HSing families dont'?  My kids aren't around 20 other kids 5 days a week, but they still go to group activities at church, play dates, and starting next year, a school co-op where they can do fun projects with other kids.  We also do story time at the library, regular field trips for science, and more.

I actually had only toyed with homeschooling when a friend who is a principal told me I should really consider it because DD had such a love of learning, and was so advanced in some areas that she would be slowed down and eventually view it as work if I just put her in a school.  I know not all kids are like that.  Heck, I went to public school and *loved* learning.  But I hated the violence in the halls, the drugs in the bathrooms, the swearing in the classes, the teachers who just didn't have enough time, and the hours of homework because teachers were too busy in class trying to get kids to listen to teach us everythign there. 

I totally get that not everyone can make the choice we have, but I also get that it is a choice that should be respected and not looked down upon because it is the different one.

(Original Poster)

[tiggerrrt]

Feb. 13, 2009 at 10:07 AM

From a hippie, religious nut, crunchy, odd home schooling mom of 8 years THANK you for the post.  Things are better now than when we started home schooling (less odd looks and snide comments)  and its still something I love and KNOW works...I have proof ~~~ 2 smart, outgoing, well rounded children, who are well socialized ~better than most ps children because they are exposed to a variety of ages to socialize with~ and who enjoy learning.

 

[ServinGsus]

Feb. 13, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Thanks for sharing ... moms like you are who inspire me to keep on!

(Original Poster)