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Unschooling vs Homeschooling in New York

Pres mult | 08 Mar 2024

With the current state of education around the country, many parents are considering other options. Among them, the debate about unschooling vs homeschooling warrants discussion. Although unschooling is, technically, a form of homeschooling, the two concepts are vastly different in their application. Let’s explore those differences.

Exploring Unschooling

Unschooling does not mean losing everything children learn in school. That concept, known as de-schooling, is a short “cooling off” period after removing a child from traditional school settings. While de-schooling suspends all educational activities, unschooling provides a flexible approach to homeschooling.

The term “unschooling” was coined by John Holt, who began using it in 1977. Holt was a discouraged classroom teacher who thought that our educational system was not serving our children. Sandra Dodd created a philosophy known as “Radical Unschooling” based on the initial principles of learning outlined by Holt.

Unschooling follows a “child-led” approach to learning rather than a structured, scheduled, and book-filled approach. What this means is that children learn by following their interests. For instance, the parents may decide to visit a local museum. Once at the museum, they allow the child to explore the exhibits that pique their interest.

Rather than teaching a specific curriculum, this puts the parent into a facilitator role where they follow the interests of the child. This approach, while not for everyone, does keep children engaged in learning. They won’t be memorizing the past presidents of the US, but they can still learn an incredible amount.

As unschooled children grow, they continue taking on more responsibility for their education. If a teen enjoys nature, they may plan a nature hike to identify plants and animals. To supplement their activities, they might go home and read a book on plants because they saw something interesting on the hike.

Benefits of Unschooling vs Homeschooling

Although unschooling doesn’t work for every family, there are many benefits from this type of educational experience. Many of the reasons families opt to unschool include:

• They want to encourage their children to follow their interests
• It offers flexibility
• The pace is set by the child
• Enhancement of creativity
• Reduction of tension between parents and children
• Different aged siblings can enjoy the same learning experience
• Develops a child’s independent thinking skills
• Teaches real-time problem-solving skills
• Parents learn new things too!

Unschooling doesn’t mean that reading, writing, and arithmetic are forgotten. Rather than structured formal math class, the child might learn counting by helping with the grocery shopping or helping with cooking. They may learn reading from the information plaques in the museum.

Exploring Homeschooling

Traditional homeschooling is guided by a parent, a relative such as a grandparent, or even a family friend. Most families follow a set curriculum and conduct schooling within a set schedule. There are pre-fabricated curriculum packages that can be purchased for homeschooling. Also, some parents select online learning tools to assist with setting a learning program at home.

The reasons that a family might choose homeschooling are much the same as those who opt for unschooling. Many are simply not happy with the traditional education options available. Religious differences are also a factor for some families.

In some cases, parents feel that their children are just not advancing as well as they should. Traditional classroom settings may work well for many children, but not for everyone. Homeschooling offers families a viable alternative to traditional schooling.

Benefits of Homeschooling

While regular schooling offers parents the freedom to let someone else worry about how to teach, it isn’t a “right fit” for all families. There are many benefits to homeschooling, including:

• Parents set the schedule and control the curriculum
• Bonds between children and parents grow stronger
• Teaching methods will better suit the child’s learning style
• The schedule is flexible, allowing extra time for difficult subjects
• Personal interaction with hands-on learning
• Schedule vacations during normal school periods (fewer crowds and cost savings)
• Show children that learning can be fun

Whether you opt for unschooling or homeschooling, the benefits for your children will carry them throughout their entire life. But how do you determine which teaching style is best for your child?

Unschooling vs Homeschooling — How to Choose

When determining whether you should homeschool or unschool, it may help to ask and answer some questions. Your answers will assist you in making the best choice for your children.

1. Does your family need a rigid and set routine? Although unschooling may seem like great fun, the unstructured environment isn’t best for everyone.
2. Do one or both parents work? Unschooling requires a semi-open schedule and flexibility. Depending on a parent’s job situation, not having a flexible schedule may work better with structured homeschooling.
3. Does one or both parents enjoy outdoor/away-from-home activities? If your child is a nature lover or museum fan, much of unschooling time may involve spending time outdoors or in public areas.
4. Are your children self-guided? If your children are self-guided and independent they will thrive in the unschooling environment. If they require nudging to explore, homeschooling may be better.
5. Do both parents feel the same about education? It is important to present a united front when it comes to education for your children. Discuss both options and reach a mutual agreement.
6. Can you ignore family and friends’ opinions? Although unschooling is gaining in popularity, it is still a radical concept to many who may not share your enthusiasm.

You will most likely have other questions unique to your particular family situation. The most important part of making the decision is to compile all the information you need. Each family is different and no single solution will be right for everyone.

There will be ups and downs with either option. You will undoubtedly enjoy the extra family time with either choice.

There aren’t any How-To guides for unschooling, so you will be making up the rules as your child guides you through their learning process.

Supplement Education with Tutoring

The unschooling vs homeschooling debate may continue indefinitely. The one certainty is that children do learn better in environments where they can receive individualized attention.

Whether you opt for unschooling or homeschooling, integrating a tutoring service like WhizKidz Tutoring can provide valuable support. Our Tutors in NY offer a variety of programs that can enhance educational opportunities for both unschooling and homeschooling families. We also offer in-person and online tutoring services in New York, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, and surrounding communities. Contact us today: (914) 200-3512