Sep 16 min read

Deschooling - Your First Step to Homeschooling

Updated: Sep 27

Deschooling is a crucial period where children and parents decompress from rigid public school schedule and methods, and learn that educational opportunities can happen anywhere.

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Is Deschooling Important?

Yes.

Deschooling is a valuable process that allows parents and children to take a break from traditional schooling methods. It involves stepping back from the conventional approach of using textbooks and workbooks to explore alternative ways of learning that cater to the individual needs of the child. This period of deschooling provides an opportunity for both parents and kids to discover new interests, passions, and learning styles that may not be addressed within the confines of a typical classroom setting.

By engaging in deschooling, parents can observe their child's natural curiosity and creativity, allowing them to tailor their educational approach accordingly. This time away from structured academics can foster a deeper connection between parents and children, as they embark on a journey of exploration and discovery together. Use this time to explore approaches to homeschool and different methods to meet your family's needs. The traditional worksheets and grueling 8 hour days aren't actually necessary.

It encourages children to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning. It encourages independence and autonomy, empowering children to take ownership of their education and pursue knowledge in a way that resonates with them personally.

In essence, deschooling is not just a break from traditional schooling; it is a transformative experience that opens doors to a world of possibilities and encourages a lifelong love of learning.

Advantages of Deschooling for Homeschool:

Reduced Power Struggles with your children. By taking the time to get to know their strengths and struggles, their interests and hobbies, you'll understand which approaches to use that will work best for you and your child.
Your kids will look forward to learning. Kids are naturally curious creatures. They are little sponges that enjoy opportunities to learn, when the material is engaging and fun.

How do I Deschool?

1- Start with focusing on Learning instead of Teaching.

For a period of time avoid strict schedules, textbooks, workbooks, and online curriculum. Focus on what interests them? What makes your children happy? Are there areas that you could help them explore more fully?

I read The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer, which helped to explain how children learn. While based in the Classical Homeschool Method, this book still provides excellent insight into using manipulatives, various curricula, and important times to incorporate learning strategies.

It has been very helpful for me, and I revisit it frequently. (Yes, I am still learning and changing things up as we homeschool.)

2- STOP worrying about gaps or keeping up

It is difficult not to compare yourself or your child to others, but the bottom line is we are all different. There is no one size fits all curriculum or learning style. There are no longer set time frames of when kids must master areas. The beauty of homeschool is you can tailor the education to the kid, that includes the level of each topic and how they are delivered.

"Most learning is not the results of instruction. It is rather the result of unhampered participation in a meaningful setting. Most people learn best by being "with it," yet school makes them identify their personal, cognitive growth with elaborate planning and manipulation." – Ivan Illich, Deschooling Society

3- Take your time

Do not rush through deschooling. Homeschool groups commonly share that it can take a month or more, depending on your child and their public school experience.

I encourage you to read and explore about various methods and success strategies, so you feel comfortable and prepared.

For book recommendations that have helped me through this process check out -

Empowering Parents: The Ultimate Guide to Books for Homeschooling Children with ASD and ADHD

4- Plan fun outings

Learning is a flexible journey that goes beyond regular classrooms. When kids get to explore different ways of diving into what they're learning, it helps them not just remember stuff but really get it. Tests and worksheets have their place, but they don't always stick with kids for long.

On the flip side, taking kids out into the real world, like going to a children's museum, gives them a hands-on way to put their knowledge to use in a real and fun way. These real-life experiences not only help kids grasp school stuff better but also spark their curiosity, creativity, and thinking skills, which are super important for learning all your life. By mixing formal teaching with hands-on learning adventures, we can raise kids who are not just smart but also curious, flexible, and interested in the world around them.

Deschooling Activities:

What are deschooling activities?

1-Reading - Get them their own library card and take them at least once a week. Let them check out books just for fun. Resist the urge to turn them into book reports. Or, read aloud to them.

2- Nature Time- Intentionally incorporate walks, hunt bugs, catch caterpillars and raise butterflies. Rediscover the peace and beauty of nature.

3- Arts & Crafts - Let them try all sorts of arts and crafts. Incorporating fun ways to express yourself can be therapeutic on many levels.

4- Homemaking & Life Skills - Let them help you with cooking, cleaning, and give them jobs. Empower kids to develop necessary skills to be independent.

5- Embrace Technology.- This doesn't mean let them play video games or watch TV for hours and hours every day. This can mean utilizing educational game apps, social clubs, and coding. There are many homeschool extra curricular classes out there to keep them engaged and socializing.

How long should I Deschool?

Until you are all ready.

It has been commonly stated in my homeschool groups that the rule of thumb to deschool is one month for every year of school.

However, it's more important to focus on your child and their personal dynamics.

Did they experience trauma with education?

Do they have a learning disability that maybe was ignored to not handled correctly in public school?

At first, I was quite overwhelmed, worried that I wouldn't be able to provide enough support for my son during homeschooling and unsure of what steps to take. However, as I connected with welcoming homeschooling communities, explored different approaches, and took the time to understand my son's interests, our educational journey took a turn for the better.

My son faces various challenges, including Autism, ADHD, a TBI, and dysgraphia. He has had to deal with difficulties such as trauma and mistreatment from teachers and staff in the traditional school system.

Despite my persistent efforts to advocate for necessary accommodations like movement breaks, engaging subjects, and dysgraphia support in schools, my requests were consistently turned down. But once we implemented these changes at home, my son found his passion for learning again. Now, I have to remind him to take breaks from reading, as he eagerly dives into books.

Homeschooling is the best thing I have ever done for his growth.