We live in an incredible time. Thanks to pioneering people and ever-evolving social constructs, most of us can not only legally educate our children in our own homes, but we can do it however we see fit. Increasingly, families resort to the concept of ‘unschooling’, or learning in freedom, as the method most in line with their family values, structures and schedules.

By deciding to unschool, we commit to trusting that we are all capable of learning what we need to learn when we need to learn it, despite endless social messages to the contrary. Unschooling means a commitment to allow everyone to direct their own learning, while also providing a constant influx of enriching opportunities to keep everyone motivated and engaged. It means not allowing complacency or boredom to rob us of vital opportunities for authentic learning. One way to achieve balance is through a daily commitment to five open practices. These practices have the potential to provide a comforting framework that can help families fully relax into the blank canvas of life without school.

1. get your game. Not only will you gain greater family connections by committing daily to playing a game, but you will have the opportunity to teach and model so many other concepts in real time: math, reading, logic, problem solving, and of course, the ability to lose gracefully. . Engagement is the key to authentic and powerful learning and connections = engagement. Setting aside a small block of time to play a game with your children, giving them your full attention, is time well spent, and the rewards far outweigh the investment. Board games, card games, games that don’t need equipment: the learning opportunities are limitless and easy to find. Find what works best for your family, try to fit this time into your daily routine. Maybe after dinner, before each person leaves and spends an hour or so in their own personal free time before bed. In the summer, take games outside and use big body movements. Come winter, take advantage of the wide variety of amazing board games available these days – there are a lot more than Monopoly and Life, but they’re both still great games! A daily engagement with the game will support engaging conversations and create multiple opportunities to model more refined strategic planning.
2. Create. Committing to creating every day can greatly enrich the out-of-school experience, while allowing each person to follow their own passions. Someone who truly enjoys creating food has the opportunity to develop essential safety skills, practice reading and math, and play with chemistry. Art lovers will find concrete ways to share their feelings and emotions, practice a multitude of gross and fine motor skills, and honor and practice withinpersonal skills. And don’t forget to take the time to create for yourself too! It’s important for children to see their caregivers take time and honor their own creative process, which looks different for everyone, but brings solace and solace to everyone. Modeling is a powerful teaching and learning tool. The sky is the limit when it comes to creation. Legos, Minecraft, paper dolls from magazines. Visit a retirement home and create some joy. Break the tools and create a birdhouse. If you can dream it, you can create it. And if you can create it, you can learn from it.
3. be still and silent. Interestingly, this might be the hardest of all. However, there is no shortage of studies to suggest that adding a mindfulness/meditation practice to your day is extremely beneficial. It may take very little to start with, but results will appear quickly with dedication. Start with two minutes of silence and work your way up. An easy way to start is to take one quiet car ride a day. No music, no talking, just looking at the changing landscape and letting thoughts come and go, watching them but not acting on them. It will be challenging at first, but a commitment to silence, even for a short time, not only creates a wonderful opportunity to listen to our own inner wisdom, but also provides us with a powerful tool that we can turn to in overwhelming moments and overwhelming. upset.
4. Write. As a means of self-reflection and exploration, it’s hard to top writing. Even something as mundane as simply recording the day’s events can not only get your juices flowing, but also provide you with a treasured keepsake later on. It doesn’t matter what you write. Depending on your mood, energy level, and interests for the day, the time can be used to journal, write letters, make a field guide, or compose a daily menu. Set aside a block of 10 to 20 minutes each day to write what your heart dictates. It is a meditative, calm and still time. It is not a time for perfection or overthinking. The emphasis is on putting thoughts and feelings on paper to preserve moments and spark ideas.
5. To go outside. If you only take one piece of advice, this is the one. Go outside, even when it rains, even when it’s cold. Invest in waterproof pants, good dry boots, and other necessary gear. On the days when all you want to do is sit down, tell yourself that you will go out by yourself for five minutes. On some days, five minutes may be enough, but on others you may want more. The fresh air clears our minds and Mother Nature soothes our spirits when we forget the simple things. Exercise gets our blood pumping and exploration inspires our souls. Honoring time outdoors is a critical component to health, happiness, and learning.

The guidelines above present just one of many possible roadmaps for non-schoolers that respect both the slow and easy pace of a self-directed life, while also providing daily opportunities for growth and inspiration. Maybe these five practices don’t resonate with your family, and that’s okay. But taking the time to define three or four or five core values ​​and committing to include them in your daily life will help your family develop a routine that soothes the spirit and stimulates the mind.