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So you’ve been told by somebody, probably your spouse, but maybe a friend or family member, to research the educational philosophy called unschooling. Other names for unschooling include self-directed education and whole life learning.

Whatever it’s called, unschooling is all about helping children and young people grow up to become knowledgeable and capable adults. Most unschooling parents will tell you that they simply want their children to grow up confident in who they are and what they can achieve, and to find a life of joy and fulfillment.

Unschooling parents want what most parents want for their children, and through research and experience have decided, at least for now, that the practice of unschooling gives their children the best chance to succeed in these ways.

Here are the site editor’s recommended steps to begin and continue your immersion into the curious world of unschooling.


Step 1: Read Earl Steven’s famous essay, “What is Unschooling?

Step 2: Using your favorite podcast app, subscribe to Amy Child’s 50 episode podcast titled The Unschooling Life, and start with the very first episode. (Website)

Step 3: Purchase Pam Laricchia’s excellent collection of introductory and advanced unschooling books, found on her website here, and available in digital or print formats.

Step 4: If you’d like an academic look into the science of self-directed education, purchase evolutionary psychologist Peter Gray’s book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Lifeavailable in digital or print formats.

Step 5: Spend some time reading testimonials and interviews found on this website of unschooling dads. Many testimonials are available in digital or print formats in the editor’s book, Unschooling Dads: Twenty-two Testimonials on Their Unconventional Approach to Education.

Step 6: Peruse the recommended reading page for even more research content on unschooling theory and practice. Consider also subscribing to Pam Laricchia’s wonderful podcast titled Exploring Unschooling (Website) and joining a Facebook unschooling support group.

Step 7: Last, but not least, use the Topical Guide menu at the top to find writings by unschooling dads and others on everything unschooling related. This is a growing guide, expanding in breadth and depth as the months go on. The editor also highly recommends Sandra Dodd’s incredible topical guide on unschooling.