Homeschooling vs Unschooling: Which is best for your child?

What is the difference between homeschooling and unschooling? Are you interested in unschooling but unsure what it looks like in real life?

As a homeschooling mom with ADHD, I know firsthand that choosing the best homeschooling style for your child can be a daunting task, and the options are overwhelming.

Our family follows an unschooling philosophy, which has emerged as a popular choice in recent years for many homeschoolers. While homeschooling and unschooling are both under the homeschool umbrella, there are important differences between the two approaches.

Over the years, I have spent countless hours reading unschooling blogs, researching various homeschool styles, and experimenting with different techniques in our home. Ultimately, we settled on a relaxed homeschooling style that has naturally evolved into an unschooling lifestyle.

I am here to share that research with you in this article and take a closer look at homeschooling vs unschooling.

TLDR; Too Long, Didn’t Read:

• Homeschooling is a structured approach to education in the home environment using a structured curriculum.
• Unschooling is a more holistic approach that allows children to learn organically throughout the day WITHOUT a set curriculum.
• The key difference between homeschooling and unschooling is the level of structure and control over the child’s education.
• Unschooling allows for interest-led learning. This motivates children to follow their passions and learn independently, which is a trait they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
• In unschooling, parents FACILITATE learning instead of DICTATING what the child will learn.

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling involves educating your child at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. Parents may decide to homeschool for various reasons, including religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with public schools, or a desire for a more individualized education.

Homeschooling allows parents to have more control over their child’s education, including the curriculum, schedule, and pace of learning. Parents can choose a faith-based curriculum or a secular curriculum. If a child has special needs, parents can accommodate them at home individually.

Educating your child at home doesn’t have to be completed on certain days at certain times. This allows families to have a more flexible schedule as far as field trips, extracurricular activities, and family vacations.

What is Unschooling?

Unschooling falls under the umbrella of homeschooling but has some important differences. It is a form of homeschooling that emphasizes child-led learning. Unlike traditional homeschooling, which follows a structured curriculum, unschooling allows children to explore their interests and passions at their own pace without a curriculum.

Unschooling is based on the belief that learning is happening all the time and children will naturally seek out knowledge to learn what they need to know when they are ready. 

The key difference between unschooling and homeschooling is that there is no set curriculum or lesson plans. Instead, children follow their curiosity and passions. Parents help them find resources and experiences that support learning.

Unschooling parents facilitate their children’s learning by providing them with resources and opportunities to pursue their interests outside of a traditional school setting. These resources can include websites, books, magazines, trips to museums, volunteering opportunities, apprenticeships, and even sometimes curriculum and worksheets. I know my younger two enjoy occasional worksheets, so they have workbooks we pull from- because they are interested.

Unschooling can look different depending on your child’s interests and learning style. For example, if your child is interested in animals, you might take them to a zoo, read books about animals, or watch documentaries. If the student prefers to have more structured activities, then workbooks or curriculum may be appropriate- but not forced.

While unschooling sounds unstructured, it is a very effective way for children to learn. By following their interests and passions, children are more motivated to learn and retain information better. Unschooling allows children to develop important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Homeschooling vs Unschooling: Key Differences

The main difference between homeschooling and unschooling is the level of structure and parental involvement. 

Homeschooling provides a more structured approach to education, while unschooling allows for more freedom and self-directed learning. As a parent, it is important to consider your child’s learning style and needs when deciding which approach to take.

Homeschooling parents typically have control over the curriculum and the structure of their child’s day. On the other hand, unschooling is a more holistic way of learning that allows children to learn organically throughout the day.

An unschooling student takes the lead in their education, and parents or guardians serve as mentors and facilitators.

Here is a breakdown of the main differences:

Educational Philosophy

Homeschooling involves a structured approach to education where parents or tutors create or purchase a curriculum and lesson plans for their children.

Unschooling doesn’t use a structured curriculum unless it is of interest to the child. It is an unstructured approach to education where children learn through real-life experiences and self-directed exploration. 

In unschooling, children are free to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. Parents can cater to their interests by creating unit studies individualized for their children.

Learning Environment

In homeschooling, parents or tutors create a learning environment that simulates a classroom setting. Children have set schedules for their lessons and are expected to complete assignments and take tests. This method provides a sense of familiarity, incorporating textbooks and workbooks similar to traditional school.

The unschooling learning environment is more relaxed and flexible. Children learn from the world around them and can pursue their interests and passions freely at their own pace. 

Parental Involvement

In homeschooling, parents or tutors are actively involved in their children’s education. They create lesson plans and grade assignments. Sometimes this is referred to as “school at home”, because a similar model to the school system is used, but the child is learning at home

Unschooling parents act as facilitators, providing resources and guidance when needed. They allow their children to take the lead in their education. By teaching your child HOW to learn instead of WHAT to learn, you can allow your child to learn organically and equip themselves with essential skills for the rapidly changing world they are growing up in.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Customizable Curriculum

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to create a customized curriculum that meets the needs and interests of your child. Unlike traditional schools, where every student follows the same curriculum, homeschooling allows you to tailor your child’s education to their specific strengths, weaknesses, and passions according to how they learn best. This is especially helpful for neurodivergent families like ours!

Flexible Schedule

My favorite thing about being a homeschooling family is having a flexible schedule. You can create a schedule that works for your family’s unique needs and lifestyle.

For example, if your family travels frequently, you can schedule schoolwork around your travels. I incorporate our learning with our travels. We will learn all about a location and then go there and see it in person if possible. Or maybe we learn about the artists featured in an art museum, and then go there and see their artwork in person.  

Learning doesn’t have to happen Monday through Friday between certain designated hours. If your child is not a morning person, you can start school after lunch. If Mondays are busy, you can make up for it on Saturday if needed. If you have to take an unexpected break from homeschooling during the school year, you can make up for it by homeschooling in the summer time. This flexibility can help reduce stress and create a more relaxed learning environment.

Benefits of Unschooling

Promotes Self-Directed Learning

One of the biggest benefits of unschooling is that it promotes self-directed learning. In traditional schooling, students are often told WHAT to learn, WHEN to learn, and HOW to learn. 

Unschooling children are free to pursue their interests and passions on their own time. This leads to a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the subject matter. Hobbies turn into the educational roadmap.

Nurtures Creativity

Unschooling nurtures creativity. Traditional schooling prioritizes conformity and rote memorization over creativity. With unschooling, children are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to problems. This leads to a more innovative and creative approach to learning and problem-solving.

Gives Children Independence

Unschooling is a great way for parents to give their children more freedom and autonomy. Allowing children to have a say in their education from a young age will help them develop a sense of autonomy, boost their self-esteem, and nurture a growth mindset.

I have watched my children learn to read, mostly on their own. I provided guidance and resources, but they were motivated by their interests. So instead of spoon-feeding them lessons, we learned organically while having fun along the way.

I don’t know about you, but this seems like a more pleasant way to learn, and because the child is deeply engaged and interested, learning naturally unfolds.

Creates a Lifelong Love of Learning

When children have a say in their educational journey, curiosity and self-directed learning flourish.

Unschooling is about nurturing a child’s natural curiosity. The emphasis shifts from traditional subjects to real-world experiences, allowing them to pursue knowledge through self-directed exploration rather than adhering to a predetermined syllabus.

The result? Your child develops an enduring love for learning that extends far beyond the confines of a textbook, fostering an intellectual curiosity that lasts a lifetime. It’s a paradigm shift, steering away from the conventional, and it could be the key to nurturing an unwavering passion for knowledge in your child.

Challenges in Homeschooling

Time Commitment and Parental Involvement

One of the biggest challenges of home education is the amount of time it requires. As the primary educator, parents have to plan and prepare lessons, grade assignments, and evaluate their child’s progress. This can be time-consuming, especially if there are multiple children at different grade levels.

To manage my time effectively, I have found it helpful to create routines and stick to them as much as possible. I use a variety of productivity tools and set timers to keep myself organized with homeschooling and household chores. I also try to involve my children in the planning process, so they have a sense of ownership and responsibility for their education.

It is also important for parents to make time for self-care regularly to avoid burnout.

Legal Requirements

Another challenge of homeschooling is navigating the legal requirements. This can seem overwhelming at first, but it is more simple than most people think.

In the United States, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Each state has laws and regulations regarding homeschooling, and it can be overwhelming at first to understand and comply with them.

In most states, parents are required to submit an annual notice of intent to homeschool, keep attendance records, and provide evidence of their child’s progress. If you live in a state with more requirements, you may be required to report or administer periodic standardized testing. This ensures that all required subjects are being covered and meet grade-level standards.

To stay on top of the legal requirements, various online resources can help navigate the legal requirements of homeschooling by state.

Socialization

Socialization can be a significant challenge while homeschooling. The responsibility falls on the parent, so it is important to stay consistent and make sure our children are getting adequate socialization time. 

The schedule freedom that homeschooling provides allows children to get involved in networks and co-ops, providing ample socialization opportunities. Children participate in group activities, sports, and field trips, fostering valuable friendships. 

In unschooling, socialization opportunities depend on the child’s interests and activities. Children may socialize with peers who share similar interests or participate in community events.

I’ve seen homeschooling communities grow as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social media is a great place to find a local homeschool community and attend meetups to make friends. 

Challenges in Unschooling

As an unschooling mom and full-time homemaker who has ADHD, I admit that this journey is not without its challenges. 

Unschooling is often misunderstood. When I was new to homeschooling, I read several unschooling books, listened to unschooling podcasts, and found some unschooling families to follow on YouTube and social media. It was incredibly helpful and inspiring. One of my favorites is the Exploring Unschooling podcast. 

Here are some challenges that unschoolers may face:

Lack of Structure

One of the biggest challenges when you start unschooling is the lack of structure. Without a set curriculum or schedule, it can be challenging to ensure that you are covering all of the necessary topics and skills. 

To combat this, I started tracking our educational activities in Trello with pictures and descriptions of what we have covered. I spend less time planning and more time capturing the organic learning in our lives and documenting them retrospectively.

Some children may struggle with the lack of routine and find it difficult to stay motivated and focused. To overcome this challenge, many unschooling families create a loose structure, routine, or “flow” that allows for flexibility while still providing structure and guidance in their daily activities. 

For example, you might have daily “quiet time” for reading or independent work, or you might set goals together for the week or month to ensure that you are making progress in key areas.

Transitioning to the Traditional Education System

Another challenge that unschoolers may face is the transition to a traditional education system. If a child wants to go to school or pursue higher education, they may find that they are behind their peers in certain areas or that they struggle to adapt to a more structured learning environment.

But even if your child is “behind” according to the standards of the school system, rest assured that your child will learn what they need. This mindset is a result of the public school mentality most of us were raised with. To undo this type of thinking, homeschooling families need to deschool.

Deschooling is the process of changing your mentality around learning. It is a journey of undoing the thinking that tells us that traditional school is the only right way.

It is not something you do once and then you are done. I have had to go through multiple periods of deschooling whenever the public school mindset creeps back in and makes me feel like I am not doing a good enough job.

To address this challenge, some unschooling families choose to incorporate more formal learning opportunities of the child’s choice into their homeschooling routine, such as online courses. High school-aged students can take classes at a local community college and get a head start on their higher education.

In a study performed by L.P. Benezet, the superintendent of schools in Manchester, New Hampshire, proposed an interesting experiment. He suggested removing arithmetic instruction from their elementary school. Benezet showed that when formal math instruction is delayed until the sixth grade, after just one year of lessons, students performed just as well on standard calculations and scored much better on story problems than students who received several years of formal instruction. 

So rest assured that even if your children are “behind,” they can catch up quickly when needed. You can use a math curriculum of your choice or perhaps a language arts curriculum to get them caught up when needed.

Making the Choice: Homeschooling or Unschooling?

Which homeschool method is right for your family? There is no right answer, because- it depends. Every child is unique and it will require ongoing trials to see what works for your child and your family.

The homeschooling vs unschooling decision can be difficult for parents. Both options offer a personalized approach to education, but they differ in their structure and philosophy.

Homeschooling provides a more structured approach to education, whereas unschooling offers a more flexible and child-led approach. 

When choosing between homeschooling vs unschooling, it is important to consider your child’s personality, learning style, and interests. Some children thrive in a structured environment, while others may feel stifled, bored, or overwhelmed. Likewise, some children may be highly motivated by their interests and passions, while others may need more guidance and structure.

While homeschooling has its challenges, it has been an invaluable and rewarding experience for my family so far. By being aware of the challenges and finding ways to overcome them, we have been able to create a successful homeschooling environment for our children. This is where monthly journaling comes in. We reflect on our past month and set goals for the next month.

By remaining flexible, creative, and open-minded, you can stay inspired and motivated, overcome challenges, and provide your child with a rich and fulfilling educational experience.

The decision between homeschooling and unschooling should be based on what works best for your family. Before making a decision, it is important to do your research, talk to other homeschooling or unschooling families, and consider the pros and cons of each approach.

Learn more by reading these homeschooling books, or browse this list of the best books about unschooling.

Whether you choose to homeschool or unschool, I wish you the best of luck! Remember- you are ultimately in charge of your child’s education and you CAN give them options and a say in their journey.

And don’t forget to have fun along the way!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is unschooling different from homeschooling?

Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that emphasizes child-led learning and exploration. In unschooling, there is no set curriculum or schedule, and children are free to pursue their interests and passions. Homeschooling, on the other hand, typically involves a more structured approach with a set curriculum and schedule.

Can unschooled kids be successful?

Yes, unschooled children can be successful. Many unschooled children go on to attend college or pursue successful careers in a variety of fields. However, it is important to note that success looks different for everyone, and unschooling may not be the right fit for every child.

Is unschooling legal?

Yes, unschooling is legal in the United States. Homeschooling laws vary by state, so it is important to research the laws in your state to ensure that you comply.

Is unschooling legal in NYC?

Unschooling is legal in New York City, but homeschooling laws in the state of New York are more restrictive than in other states. In New York, homeschooling families must file an annual notice of intent and submit an individualized home instruction plan for each child. Additionally, homeschooling families in New York are subject to regular assessments and must maintain attendance records.