Advice on Unschooling?

Question

I am 16 and homeschooling next year. I was wondering if anyone had any general advice for me on a more unschooling approach.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's some general information on unschooling:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

You may also want to read The Teenage Liberation Handbook.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Just follow your interests. Unschooling simply means you decide what, how and when you want to study. You'll need to check the legal requirements for where you live in case there are tests or evidence of education that have to be provided, but other than that, it's up to you. Good luck!

Answer 3

One of the other posters recommended http://lowryhousepublishers.com/TeenageL... which I heartily second.

What you want to do is to follow your passions. This book will give you many ideas on how to turn your passion into your education.

Be well.

Answer 4

I was "unschooled" all 12 years of my homeschooling experience and i loved it!  I feel as if I'm more opened minded, artistic, and street smart then my other regular homeschooled friends but when it came time for me to go to college I did notice i bit a "struggle" when it came to certain things.  As of now I'm 20 and getting my degree in Commercial Graphics aka photography, and I feel as if I wasn't unschooled I wouldn't of had the opportunity's to concentrate on my passions in life and I wouldn't be where I am now. BUT getting to my point, I wish I would have learned more of what I really needed to know so I wouldn't of had a hard time in college.  Just keep that in mind.  Best of luck!

Answer 5

Personally, I'm a little skeptical about 'unschooling' even though I've witnessed many successful kids grow up under this practice.

However, as a motivated 16 yo -- you can do it!  Immediately get the book "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education

by Grace Llewellyn.  Read it cover to cover and have your parents read it too.  It's an eye-opener.  You DON'T need an institution to get a phenomenal education.

This book has even given me LOTS of freedom to allow my children to learn on their own (how they learn best).

One of the book reviews states:

"This is a very dangerous book. It contradicts all the conventional wisdom about dropouts and the importance of a formal education. It is funny and inspiring. Do not, under any circumstances, share this book with a bright, frustrated high-schooler being ground into mind fudge by the school system. This writer cannot be responsible for the happiness and sense of personal responsibility that might [result]."

-Bloomsbury Review

Answer 6

Thanks to government's hands being in so much of our daily lives, your first step should be in finding out your state's rules in regard to your education - what courses are required of you, how many hours are you required to be actively engaged in educational pursuits, etc....

THEN I'd suggest that you follow (some of) your passions.  If you are interested in developing websites, find a way to learn this.  If it's video games then don't spend your time just playing them - figure out how to CREATE them.  If it's animals - find a vet who may take you on as a volunteer.  

Finally, should you feel that college may be in your future, make sure to keep adequate records, some version of a transcript, and fulfill the course requirements a college may have.  But remember that if you need to fulfill foreign language, for example, you could decide to learn Chinese or something out of the ordinary.  

Think outside the box and it will serve you well throughout your life.