The number of homeschooling families has grown in recent years, along with the number of methods for learning at home. In this timely book, you’ll meet diverse families that are engaging in the day-to-day work of a variety of approaches, including self-directed learning, unschooling, nature-based education, farmschooling, wildschooling, and worldschooling.
Chapters and interludes are written by scholars and families engaged in this work, who show how their approaches take a balanced, slower-paced, and nature-minded approach to learning, nourishing the child’s heart and brain. They also address common critiques of homeschooling and show how it is something that can be normalized and encouraged as a positive educational tool, helping families bond and live life to the fullest. Each chapter includes practical applications you can use right away in your own journey.
Simultaneously inspirational and practical, this book will help guide and motivate those who are either considering or already homeschooling to see the possibilities of what learning and education can truly be.
Author(s): Katie Rybakova Mathews
Publisher: Routledge/Eye on Education
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 179
City: New York
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Editor
Contributors
Acknowledgments
Preface: A Battle Cry from the Homeschooling Community
List of Abbreviations
Chapter 1: From Structured to Stepping Back
Our Path to Kindergarten
Better Late than Early?
Kids Learn for Mastery
1000 Hours Outside™
A Return to Balance
Do Something
References
Chapter 2: The Greenhouse Effect
Do Something
Note
References
Chapter 3: A Unique Education: Unschooling to Adulthood
Gina’s Perspective
The Later Years – Ben’s Perspective
The Teen Years
The College Experience
Graduate School
Careers and Entrepreneurship
Reflections on Unschooling, Life, and Learning
Do Something
Plan for Dealing with Criticism
Facilitate Freedom of Choice in the Teen Years
Create a Portfolio of Your Child’s Unschooling Journey
References
Additional Resources
Chapter 4: The Parent–Child Apprenticeship: Navigating Learning with Little to No Curriculum
Do Something
References
Chapter 5: Self-Directed Education: An Interview with Dr. Peter Gray
References
Interlude: The Science Behind Nature-based Learning
Attention & Stress Relief
Motivation & Engagement
Warmer & Cooperative Relationships
Creativity & Autonomy
Learning & Development
Chapter 6: Wildschooling
The Wildschooling Way
Decolonizing Homeschooling
Where to Start
Wildschooling Architecture
Pillars
Wildschooling Recognizes Nature Connection as a Fundamental Human Need, Right, and State of Being
Wildschooling Values and Respects the Sovereign Rights of the Whole Child
Wildschooling Is Relationship Led
Wildschooling Favors Place-Bonded, Contextual, and Emergent Learning
Wildschooling Aligns with Nature’s Rhythms
Wildschooling Is Village Led and Oriented
Wildschooling Respects and Honors Indigenous and Ancestral Knowledge
Wildschooling Preserves and Honors Storytelling
Wildschooling Supports a Future Paradigm
Do Something
References
Chapter 7: The Journey of a Soulful Artist
Chapter 8: Weaving Unschooling and Forest Schooling in Australia: How it Works for Our Families
What Is Forest School?
Our Own Children
Working While Unschooling
Assessment
Financial Considerations
Unschooling on the Road
Managing Household Duties
Unschooling—The Right Choice for Our Families
Drawbacks of Unschooling—Or Not?
Socialization
Outsider Observations
Our Children’s Perspective
Do Something
References
Chapter 9: A Balance of Screen Time and “Green Time”: An Interview with Linda McGurk
Note
References
Interlude: Shared Lessons for Democracy?
Chapter 10: Trust in Your Journey: Lessons from a Worldschooling Family
Listen to Your Intuition
There are Times the Only Transportation Available Is a Leap of Faith
Chapter 11: The True Advantage of Worldschooling: Time
Worldschooling Advantages
Worldschooling Tips
Chapter 12: From Surfing to Schooling: There Is More to Homeschool Than Worksheets
Surfing Changed Everything
Isn’t Life Wonder-Full?
Travel Opened a New Classroom Door
Walking Is Man’s Best Medicine
Teaching to Your Child’s Personality
The Future of Homeschooling
Know Your Intention
Interlude: Mindfulness for Home Educators
How to Practice Mindfulness
Practice: Sitting Mindfulness Meditation
I am
But that's not who I am
Conclusion
