Home schooling vs. unschooling

Home schooling vs. unschooling

by Annie
(Florida)

What is the primary difference between home schooling and unschooling? I'm new to homeschooling and, to me, both seem to have many similarities, so where do they begin to differ.

What do you see as the main advantages or disadvantages of each?

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Home schooling vs. unschooling

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Jul 06, 2009

The Difference Between Homeschooling & Unschooling
by: Debbie

Hi Annie,

The main difference between homeschooling and unschooling is structure. Families who homeschool have a set curriculum with textbooks and workbooks or they may even use unit studies and lapbooks.

At any rate, they have structure, curriculum, and a schedule to follow.

Unschoolers learn through life. The education is usually child-directed meaning the parents follow what the child is interested in and they include learning opportunities to expand the learning.

I have to say that I have had several friends over the years who were unschoolers and they have all had extremely intelligent children. With that said, I just can't unschool.

I am very organized and like to have things on schedule and unschooling just wouldn't work for me. I would be a nervous wreck.

The bottom line? Do what is best for you, your family, and your children. When planning how to teach your children, take into consideration your personality and their personalities - how you like to teach and how they learn best.

Don't forget to ask the principle! They're his children too and should have some input as to how they are taught at home.

Hope this helped!
Debbie - Home-Schooling-Haven.com

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