How to Start Unschooling and Worldschooling

When people hear about unschooling for the first time, it can seem confusing or intimidating. The response often walks the line between thinking you are crazy and irresponsible. It conjures images of kids running amok. What does it even me to UnSchool your kids???

Then when you say Worldschooling…they’re like what?! Are you just making up schooling terms? So let’s define these terms, look at what they mean, and explore just how easy it is to start unschooling, and even worldschooling.

Read on for everything you didn’t know you wanted to know about these alternative schooling practices, and why they might be perfect for your family if you are a travel lover!

How to Start Unschooling (and Worldschooling)

Before we get to how to start unschooling and worldschooling, I think we should start with a quick definition of what we’re talking about.

What is UnSchooling?

Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that involves the rejection of a set curriculum in favor of following a child’s interests. As you can imagine, different people will take this to mean different things.

What most unschoolers have in common that sets them apart from other homeschoolers, those being educated at home, is that schedules are much more flexible, and learning does not involve school nor trying to re-create a school-like environment. And yet, when you get to older ages, even this is open to interpretation.

This of course aligns perfectly with our philosophy of always learning, in any circumstances. What’s more, it is supported by research into the importance of play.

Read more about PLAY in my post on Unschooling Elementary School.

Unschooling families believe that their children will learn everything they need to know through their own curiosity. By supporting them and providing resources to aid this learning, children gain valuable skills for their adult lives. Foremost, they learn that they can learn anything they set their minds to.

Doing it YOUR way is A-OK

For our family, while I am very laissez-faire with our learning, we are not purists of unschooling, and have “encouraged” our kids to improve language and music skills, as well as continuing with some traditional math work.

This is because while I love the idea of unschooling the kids indefinitely, the reality may be different. At this point staying on “grade-level” (cringing a little as I type that) is not that hard.

I accept the criticism from some families that this may be sending mixed-messages about the value of learning different subjects. But as someone that gives a lot of thought into what we would like our children to know long-term, this is what works for our family.

All in all, I have found unschooling families incredibly thoughtful and understanding. Most parents are highly committed to doing the best they can for their kids, and we have not encountered any judgement about doing things our way.

Homeschooling vs Unschooling

Most homeschooling families that we have met, use a curriculum. This could be one that you can download online, a set of books or study guides that you can purchase, or even signing up for online public school or an online charter school! Yes these things exist, some are even free or low cost, and it saves the parents lots of work up front.

In unschooling, we let our daily activities guide our learning. When our kids are interested in helping cook, they are learning math through measuring. Or if we go shopping together we can compare costs. Not to mention a trip to the library and how many conversations then rise up from whatever they choose to discover.

Science and observation is a given, just by keeping with current events, spending time in nature and more. Writing comes up when they come up with stories, create imaginary pokemon cards to add to their collection, figure out how to fix something that is broken.

All that to say, we are a learning-centered home, so leaving the traditional schooling route has been easy.

Deschooling vs Unschooling

When you first start unschooling, it is best to go through a period of deschooling. Another term we should probably define. Deschooling is a time of decompression and release from school-based learning.

When kids leave traditional school, it is best not to expect anything while they get used to being at home. In time they will sync with their own curiosity and begin independent learning.

Back when we first decided to begin unschooling I was recommended one month of deschooling for every year the kids had been in a traditional school setting. This was spot on. I think we rushed into unschooling a little bit, and then had to take some more time to just “be” later on.

There are so many benefits of unschooling that we have seen over the past year! Not only have the kids continued learning so much, (just as much if not more than they had been learning in school) it has been great to have a more relaxed schedule for the whole family.

Now let’s get to the second part, because this is where things get complicated! and fun!

What is Worldschooling?

Worldschooling in the broadest sense of the word is using the world as your school. Worldschooling families run the gamut from part-time travelers in traditional schools, navigating the choice to take time off during breaks or not, to homeschooling families using curricula, to unschooling families and every.single.iteration you could possibly think of.

Largely, worldschool families appreciate the growth and learning that you get from travel, and try to incorporate that into their children’s education. Many worldschool families slow travel, meaning they will stay in one place or one country for 1-3 months. Others will move around more frequently. Differing passports and visa consideration also pop into the calculations.

Some worldschooling families, enroll their children in schools wherever they are. Others look for classes or part-time opportunities. Some unschool families even reject all of it and just travel. And still others have their children enrolled in online school and continue that, wherever they may be!

The main differentiation between worldschooling and just “travel” or “vacation” is seeking out opportunities to engage with and learn from the country you are visiting. Most types of travel would fall under this umbrella except maybe if you’re going to an all-inclusive and never leaving the resort.

World Schooling vs Unschooling

There is a fair bit of overlap between worldschooling and unschooling. Some unschooling families worldschool, and some worldschooling families unschool. There is definitely a natural fit between the two but they are not mutually exclusive (at all).

How to Start Worldschooling

If we take worldschooling to mean that travel is involved in learning, then it is easier to ask how can I start traveling more often? or how can travel be a more integral part of our home learning? Or how can we afford to travel as a family?

The circumstances that make this situation possible are incredibly diverse. Some leave their home country for a better quality of life elsewhere. Some are digital nomads, others live off investments or real estate. Other have traditional jobs that they take with them to different countries. If you can think it, there’s probably someone doing it.

Back in the day when I was growing up, the only “worldschooling” families I knew, worked as diplomats or for companies where they were sent abroad. I don’t believe the term even existed.

However, two major transformations have taken place in the last 30 years: travel has become more accessible, and working remotely as a digital nomad is a reality and possibility for many people. Coupled with a growing rejection of the 19th century model for what it means to educate your kids, this is a trend that will continue.

So if the prospect of worldschool sounds like something you might like to try out, then think about how your job can become location independent. Or figure out what you might need to save to take a sabbatical, a family gap year, or an extended trip.

And remember: On the one hand, any choice you make will be fine, and on the other, you can always change your mind. So homeschooling, unschooling, worldschooling are all great choices if you’re looking to do something different than traditional schooling. You do you!

***This post is a sneak peek at some new content I have coming! Can you guess what it is?? Leave your questions about anything related to Worldschooling in the comments!

Have you heard of WorldSchooling before? Is it something you would consider trying?

Are you getting ready to travel soon? Don’t forget to get Family Travel Insurance.

Related posts:

Unschooling Elementary School Should you take kids out of school for travel? Fog in a Jar: Preschooler Travel Activity How to Plan Your Day at Home (Indoor Activities with kids) Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt