I’ve been interested in Homeschooling since 1980. In 1990 I returned to college to pursue a teaching degree, but after finishing about 3 years I found that schools require that teachers use lesson plans, which is not the kind of teaching I wanted to do. So I quit college, but have promoted homeschooling since then. The Covid scam helped the movement too. Let’s end the cruelty of conventional schooling.
HOMESCHOOLING & UNSCHOOLING
Some advantages of homeschooling include the ability to make your own choices, flexibility, individualized education, strong relationships and more1. Unschooling can provide a safer learning environment, improve learning outcomes with more effective teaching methods, teach your child in a manner that is more in-line with your family’s values and provide a customized, tailored approach to your child23.
1. https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-homeschooling-5074888
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/unschooling
3. https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-unschooling
4. https://homeschoolvictory.com/homeschooling-vs-unschooling/
SELF-DIRECTED EDUCATION
Peter Gray is an advocate of self-directed education. He believes that children naturally want to play and that through play, children learn how to measure and take risks, to function in community with each other, and to build things using intuition and imagination. They learn how to initiate and direct their own activities12.
1. https://standtogether.org/news/dr-peter-gray-on-the-importance-of-playtime-in-schools-for-childrens-mental-health/
2. https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/the-evolutionary-importance-of-self-directed-play.aspx
BOOK: FREE TO LEARN
Free to Learn is a book by Peter Gray that argues that children learn best when they are free to follow their own interests and passions. The book explores how children’s natural curiosity, playfulness, and sociability can foster their learning and development. The book also criticizes the conventional school system for stifling children’s creativity, autonomy, and joy. The book offers examples of alternative educational approaches that respect children’s self-directed learning, such as unschooling, democratic schools, and hunter-gatherer societies. The book challenges parents and educators to rethink their assumptions about education and to trust children’s innate abilities to learn.
https://www.amazon.com/Free-Learn-Unleashing-Instinct-Self-Reliant/dp/0465084990?Colkessciandn-20
BLOG: FREEDOM TO LEARN
Freedom to Learn is a blog by Peter Gray that explores the roles of play and curiosity as foundations for learning. The blog covers topics such as the history and biology of education, the benefits of self-directed education, the problems of coercive schooling, and the ways to foster children’s natural ways of educating themselves. The blog also features guest posts by other experts and advocates of alternative education. The blog aims to inspire parents, teachers, and policy makers to create more humane and effective learning environments for children.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn
ASDE ORGANIZATION
The Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) is an organization that promotes self-directed education as a viable and beneficial alternative to conventional schooling. The ASDE believes that children are natural learners who can direct their own education when they have access to supportive adults, peers, and resources. The ASDE provides information, resources, and networking opportunities for parents, educators, and researchers who are interested in self-directed education. The ASDE also advocates for the recognition and expansion of self-directed education in various forms, such as unschooling, democratic schools, learning centers, and homeschool resource centers. The ASDE envisions a world where self-directed education is available to all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.
http://www.self-directed.org/
BETTER EDUCATION
Self-directed education (SDE) is an educational approach that allows children to learn in their own ways, following their own interests and passions. SDE is based on the premise that children are natural learners who are curious, creative, and sociable. SDE can take place in various settings, such as home, community, or school, as long as the children have access to caring adults, a variety of resources, and a supportive peer group. SDE respects the autonomy, rights, and dignity of children and empowers them to take charge of their own learning and lives. SDE is not a specific method or curriculum, but a philosophy and a practice that can be adapted to different contexts and cultures.
http://www.self-directed.org/sde/
NATURAL EDUCATION
This is a PDF document that contains an article by Peter Gray titled "Children’s Natural Ways of Educating Themselves Still Work: Even for the Three Rs"1. The article argues that children can learn the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic without formal instruction, as long as they have access to a literate and numerate culture and ample opportunities for self-directed play and exploration. The article reviews evidence from anthropological studies of hunter-gatherer societies, historical accounts of literacy development, and modern research on unschooling and Sudbury schools. The article concludes that children’s natural ways of educating themselves are not only effective, but also more enjoyable and conducive to psychological well-being than conventional schooling.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/Children%27s%20Natural%20Ways%2C%20published.pdf
BENEFITS OF UNSCHOOLING
This is a PDF document that contains an article by Peter Gray and Gina Riley titled "The Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling, According to 232 Families Who Have Chosen that Route"1. The article reports the results of a survey of unschooling families in the United States and other countries. The article defines unschooling as a form of homeschooling that allows children to pursue their own interests and learn in their own ways, without following a curriculum or taking tests. The article discusses the reasons why families chose unschooling, the challenges they faced, the benefits they perceived, and the outcomes they observed. The article suggests that unschooling can provide a rich and satisfying educational experience for children who are self-motivated and curious, and for parents who are supportive and trusting.
This document talks about:
Peter Gray’s journey to self-directed learning: He shares how his son’s unhappiness in school led him to explore alternative educational approaches that respect children’s natural curiosity and playfulness1.
The benefits of self-directed learning: He explains how self-directed learning fosters children’s happiness, self-reliance, creativity, and social skills. He also cites research and examples from unschooling families and democratic schools.
The problems of conventional schooling: He criticizes the coercive and standardized nature of school that stifles children’s intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and joy. He also challenges the myths and assumptions that support the school system.
The ways to implement self-directed learning: He offers practical advice and guidelines for parents and educators who want to support children’s self-directed learning. He also provides resources and links for further information.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/self-directed_ed.-published.pdf
1. https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode68/
DEMOCRATIC SCHOOLING
This is a PDF document that contains an article by Peter Gray and David Chanoff titled "Democratic Schooling: What Happens to Young People Who Have Charge of Their Own Education?"1. The article reports the results of a study of graduates from the Sudbury Valley School, a democratic school that allows students to direct their own education. The article describes the school’s philosophy and practices, which are based on the principles of freedom, responsibility, and democracy. The article discusses the graduates’ views on their school experiences, their college and career paths, and their social and emotional well-being. The article suggests that democratic schooling can provide a positive and fulfilling educational experience for students who are self-motivated and curious, and for teachers who are supportive and respectful.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/attachments/1195/democratic-schooling-aje_0.pdf
PLAY IS LEARNING
This is a PDF document that contains an article by Peter Gray titled "What Exactly Is Play, and Why Is It Such a Powerful Vehicle for Learning?"1. The article defines play as a voluntary, intrinsically motivated, and imaginative activity that involves active engagement and generates positive affect. The article explains how play is essential for children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The article also discusses the evolutionary and biological origins of play, the cultural variations of play, and the threats to play in modern society. The article argues that play is not a frivolous or trivial activity, but a vital and natural way of learning and growing.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/what_is_play_published.pdf
AGE-MIXED LEARNING
This is a PDF document that contains an article by Peter Gray and Jay Feldman titled “Playing in the Zone of Proximal Development: Qualities of Self-Directed Age Mixing between Adolescents and Young Children at a Democratic School”. The article reports the results of a study of age-mixed play at the Sudbury Valley School, a democratic school that allows students to interact freely across age groups. The article describes the characteristics and benefits of age-mixed play, which include mutual respect, cooperation, mentoring, and learning. The article also discusses how age-mixed play fosters the development of social and cognitive skills, such as empathy, perspective taking, problem solving, and creativity. The article suggests that age-mixed play is a natural and effective way of learning and growing.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/attachments/1195/ajp-age-mixing-published.pdf
VIDEO GAMES FOR LEARNING
This is an article by Peter Gray titled "The Many Benefits, for Kids, of Playing Video Games"1. The article argues that video games can provide a rich and engaging learning experience for children, as long as they are age-appropriate and balanced with other activities. The article discusses the cognitive, social, emotional, and motivational benefits of video games, such as problem solving, creativity, collaboration, empathy, resilience, and flow. The article also addresses the concerns and criticisms of video games, such as addiction, violence, and obesity. The article suggests that video games are not a panacea or a threat, but a complex and evolving phenomenon that requires thoughtful and informed engagement.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201201/the-many-benefits-kids-playing-video-games
DYSLEXIA SURVEY
This is an article by Peter Gray titled “A Question and Survey about Dyslexia”. The article invites readers to participate in a survey about their experiences with dyslexia, a learning disability that affects reading and writing skills. The article explains the purpose and scope of the survey, which aims to collect data on the prevalence, causes, and treatments of dyslexia, as well as the personal and social impact of dyslexia. The article also provides background information on dyslexia, such as its symptoms, diagnosis, and controversies.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/202003/question-and-survey-about-dyslexia
SUDBURY DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL
This is the website of the Sudbury Valley School, a democratic school that allows students to direct their own education. The website provides information on the school’s philosophy, practices, and community. The website describes the school’s mission and goals, which are based on the principles of freedom, responsibility, and democracy. The website also explains how the school operates, such as its governance, curriculum, and admissions. The website features testimonials from students, parents, and staff, as well as resources for further reading and research.
https://sudburyvalley.org/
LIST OF SCHOOLS & RESOURCES
This is a website that provides a list of democratic schools and resource centers around the world. The website features a map and a directory of schools and centers that follow the principles of democratic education, such as self-directed learning, community governance, and social justice. The website also provides information on the history and philosophy of democratic education, as well as resources for parents, educators, and researchers. The website aims to promote and support alternative forms of education that empower students and foster creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
http://alternativestoschool.com/articles/list-democratic-schools-resource-centers/
BLOG: GROWING WITHOUT "SCHOOLING"
The website is about John Holt and his work on homeschooling and unschooling. John Holt was an educator who founded the Growing Without Schooling (GWS) magazine in 1977 1. The magazine was focused primarily on unschooling and deschooling1. Holt is widely recognized as the founder of the modern homeschooling movement2. The website is dedicated to supporting homeschooling and unschooling, the work of John Holt, GWS magazine, and Patrick Farenga’s blog about self-directed learning3.
https://www.johnholtgws.com/