Unschooling: A Living Education
School is not a building. It's a mindset that tells you someone else can make you learn.
But curiosity is a basic human instinct. True learning begins not with force, but by awakening a genuine desire to know. Then, we can use technology as a bridge—connecting a curious learner with someone who can guide them when they feel stuck.
What is Education, Really?
It is the journey of:
Understanding oneself and one's body.
Understanding one's surroundings.
Learning how to connect with a sense of fulfillment.
In unschooling, parents are co-learners, collaborating with their child. This partnership gives you back the forbidden perspective of your own inner child.
All other subjects—medicine, governance, engineering, music—are mere skills you can engage with when a genuine interest pulls you in. Ask yourself: What attracts you to something? The final result, or the process itself?
A Glimpse into a Possible Week
This is not a rigid curriculum, but a flow of life and learning.
Morning: Yoga & Meditation
Evening: Walk & Meditation
Daily Family Time: Games for kids (under 10), Content for teens.
| Day | Focus & Exploration | Evening Family Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Nature Immersion: Trek with a microscope, binoculars, and Google Lens. Identify herbs and insects. Discuss findings and document them on iNaturalist. | Free & Relaxed |
| Monday | Commerce & Systems: Explore money management and the stock market. Visit a mall to observe business, or tour a local factory/enterprise. | Watch a Biopic |
| Tuesday | Society & Self: Discuss the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environment, and society. Explore Jeevan Vidya (a philosophy for living). | Watch Science Fiction |
| Wednesday | The Human Body: Study anatomy and nutrition. Connect food to health through cooking and experiments. | Watch a Documentary |
| Thursday | Expression & Mind: Engage in drama, creative writing, or psychology. Discuss the impact of social media. | Watch a Docu-Drama |
| Friday | Technology & The World: Use AI for science/history projects. Explore basic law. Take virtual tours with Google Earth. | Pajama Party! Food, Fun, and healthy debates (Fights) + plenty of Hugs & Humor with friends. |
| Saturday | Community & Creation: Visit a science center, astronomy club, or library. Join a book reading group or urban sketchers. | Romantic Movie or Binge-Watch with Friends |
The Broader Rhythm of Life
Twice a Month: Immerse in a different community for 2-3 days. Examples: Swaraj, Aarohi, MCVK, Deer Park, YHAI treks, film festivals, Ramana Ashram, Auroville, Puvidham.
Continuous Activities:
Play: In nature and in different social groups. Indoor and board games.
Stories: Daily storytelling (e.g., Panchatantra), sometimes on screen, but often in groups.
Reflection: Verbal journaling and meditation.
Expression: Dance and drama.
Living Connections: Spend time among diverse relatives and communities, both rural and urban.
Skill Building: Through games and projects in math, physics, chemistry, biology, law, and current events. Use tools like microscopes, Google Lens, and AI.
Core Hubs: The library, book writing, and money/stock market games.
The "Don'ts" of Unschooling & Homeschooling
Don't over-schedule. Avoid sending kids to back-to-back skill classes without their own ignited interest.
Don't choose this path for the wrong reasons. It should not be an escape from school problems or a means to control every aspect of your child's life.
Don't be crippled by fear of outcomes. Overcome this fear by asking more questions and trusting the process.
Don't be a hypocrite. Do not stop your child from doing things you frequently do yourself, like using a smartphone, eating fast food, or telling lies.
Don't say "Yes" to every demand, or "No" without a reason. Respecting them as individuals means including them in responsibilities, struggles, and fun, and communicating openly.
A Final, Essential Note
We are not perfect, but it is essential to share our experiences so others can pick what is relevant for them.
If you enjoy lifelong learning as a parent, then consider unschooling. This is not a process of weeks. It is a commitment of months and years, requiring deep conviction. Often, you will have to work more on gaining the understanding of your spouse or family members than on your kids themselves. It is a journey you take together.
Call us anytime for further discussion
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