When I first pulled my kids I randomly found the concept of deschooling. I began to wear deschooling like a badge - I read about it, we dissected all the things we hated about school and we spent a lot of time just figuring out who we were. Who was I with my kids? Who were my kids? There were so many things I didn't know about who my kids were and so many assumptions I carried about who I thought they were. Deschooling gave me so many opportunities to really explore what made my kids tick as well as what they needed to be successful.
Deschooling opened up possibilities I never dreamed possible.
For many families, transitioning from traditional school to homeschooling can feel both exciting and overwhelming. If you're a new homeschooling mom, you’ve probably heard the term "deschooling" and wondered what it means and why it’s important. Deschooling is an essential phase in the transition from traditional schooling to home education, especially for kids who have been in a traditional classroom setting. Let’s explore what deschooling is and how it can help ease your family into homeschooling.
What is Deschooling?
Deschooling refers to the process of adjusting from the conventional school mindset to a new way of thinking about learning. It’s about helping both you and your child break free from the expectations, routines, and structures of traditional schooling. In essence, deschooling helps you shift your view of education from something that happens in a classroom to something that happens naturally in life.
During this phase, children—and often parents—learn to see education not as a rigid, scheduled activity but as something that can be dynamic, flexible, and enjoyable.
Why is Deschooling Important?
When children are used to traditional school environments, they’ve likely been conditioned to think of learning in specific ways: sitting still, raising hands, completing worksheets, and receiving grades. Homeschooling offers the opportunity to break away from these patterns, but it takes time. Deschooling allows kids to:
- Decompress** from the structured school environment.
- Reignite their natural curiosity** and interest in learning.
- Build **trust** that learning can happen in different ways.
For parents, deschooling is a chance to:
- Let go of school-based expectations, such as schedules, grading, or formal testing.
- Observe how your child naturally learns and what truly excites them.
- Learn to relax and trust the process, knowing that your child is still learning even if it doesn't look like "school."
How Long Does Deschooling Take?
The duration of deschooling can vary depending on your child’s age, the length of time they spent in traditional schooling, and their individual personality. A general rule of thumb is to allow one month of deschooling for every year your child spent in school. For example, if your child was in school for four years, plan for about four months of deschooling.
However, it’s important to note that there is no strict timeline. Some children need more time to decompress, while others may adjust more quickly. Trust your child’s pace, and don’t rush this process. Ideally a month for every year your child was in school and a month for every year you were in school. Often deschooling is just as important for the parents as it is for the children.
What Should We Do During Deschooling?
Deschooling isn’t a time of doing “nothing.” Rather, it’s a time of doing **different** things. Here are some activities that can help the transition feel more natural while still engaging your child’s mind and creativity:
1. Read for Pleasure
Encourage your child to read books that interest them, without worrying about tests or reading levels. Reading for enjoyment fosters a love of learning and boosts literacy naturally.
2. Explore Nature
Spend time outdoors. Take nature walks, visit parks, or start a garden. Exploring the natural world can spark curiosity and offers endless learning opportunities in science, observation, and creativity.
3. Play Games
Board games, card games, and puzzles can provide great learning experiences. Many games incorporate math, logic, critical thinking, and social skills—all while being fun!
4. Follow Their Interests
Ask your child what they are curious about, and dive into those topics. If they love animals, you might visit the zoo, watch documentaries, or read books about wildlife. If they enjoy building, they could spend time with Legos or DIY projects.
5. Visit Museums and Cultural Sites
Use the freedom of homeschooling to explore museums, science centers, historical sites, and art galleries. These experiences can be more meaningful without the time constraints of a field trip.
6. Try New Hobbies
Deschooling is a great time for your child to explore new hobbies. Whether it’s drawing, coding, playing a musical instrument, or cooking, hobbies allow for hands-on, practical learning.
How Will I Know When We’re Ready to Move On?
As you deschool, you may notice that your child’s attitude toward learning begins to shift. They may start showing more interest in certain subjects, asking more questions, or coming up with ideas for projects. You’ll also feel more relaxed about learning, understanding that education can happen in many forms.
When both you and your child are ready to introduce more structure, you can gradually start incorporating academic subjects into your homeschooling routine. But remember, homeschooling doesn’t need to look like traditional school. You have the freedom to create a learning environment that works best for your family.
Key Takeaways for New Homeschooling Moms
- **Deschooling is a crucial first step** when transitioning from traditional school to homeschooling.
- It allows time for both you and your child to **adjust** to a new way of learning and thinking about education.
- **The length of deschooling** varies, but it’s important not to rush this phase.
- During deschooling, focus on **fun, interest-led activities** that encourage curiosity and creativity.
- When you’re ready, you can slowly **introduce more structure** to your homeschooling routine.
Remember, homeschooling is a journey, and deschooling is just the beginning. By giving your child the space to decompress and reconnect with their natural curiosity, you’re setting the stage for a joyful and successful homeschool experience. Relax, trust the process, and enjoy the adventure of learning together!