Unschooling

Unschooling is an educational philosophy based on nurturing each student's interests and needs. Unschoolers believe that a child will be sufficiently motivated to educate himself by his own natural curiosity. It is also known as "natural learning” or “child-directed learning.” There are no set schedules or time frames, no specific courses of study, and no separation of subject areas.

The unschooled student directs her own education. The student chooses how, when, why, and what she learns. The parents act as facilitators and advisors rather than teachers. Emphasis is on providing an environment rich with opportunities for experimenting and exploring, along with a wealth of resources and support. The starting point of unschooling is a child's natural curiousity, and she is allowed to follow her own interests in whatever way and for as long as she desires.

Unschoolers believe that learning any specific subject is less important than learning 'how' to learn. Rather than striving to teach a certain body of material, they feel that it is more important to encourage a love of learning, so that when the need arises, the student will be able to teach himself what he needs to know. They also believe that the rigid structure and age segregation of a traditional school is actually counter-productive to true learning.
The term “unschooling” was coined by author John Holt, who founded the unschooling magazine Growing Without Schooling.

For more information:

http://www.holtgws.com/index.html

http://www.unschooling.com/

http://www.unschooling.org/

http://www.unschooling.info/forum/

Methods of Homeschooling:
A Thomas Jefferson Education | Charlotte Mason Method | Classical Education | Unschooling | Eclectic | Traditional Homeschooling | Unit Study Approach