The Unschooling Teaching MethodThe Unschooling Teaching Method The central core philosophy of the unschooling method is learning is a lifelong pursuit not separated from living life and can happen anywhere and at anytime through every day life-experiences. Mr. Holt used the term "invited learning." The followers of this method emphasize children have an inner curiosity and natural desire to learn and do not need textbooks, schedules and workbooks for learning to take place. If textbooks are incorporated into the school day at all, they are likely used for reinforcing, studying or researching topics. Generally, the children choose their own books. The Parent, serving as a guide, encourages the child towards free exploration, provides resources, and assistance. Many homeschooling families under John Holt's approach, will provide ample time for developing outside interests, such as sports, dance, apprenticeship, and community service. In a typical day, a child may study a few minutes to several hours, do manual labor around the house, and then participate in a community event. The parent ensures basic skills in reading, writing, and math are understood. There are no set guidelines, framework, or deadlines. Children to not follow specific grade-level expectations or curriculum. There is freedom each day with limited schedules. Families introduce subject matter and determine if the children are interested before continuing further in the particular subject and work with children according to their interest and ability. The Parents prepare a rich learning environment. There are ample opportunities for the children to self-discover and ample time for children to become experts in an area of interest. Often times, a child works and plays alongside a parent which might include board games, cooking, and gardening.
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The Unschooling Teaching Movement/Method is based on the educational reform movement inspired by John Holt's books, How Children Fail(1960's), How Children Learn(1960's), and Instead of Education (1981). In his books, John Holt criticizes the traditional educational system and argues public schools were a bad idea from the start. For more than 20 years he was regarded as one of the foremost educators striving for school reform. He was a respected educator and author, and died in 1985.
