Whether as a result of the coronavirus or simply because more and more people are discovering the benefits of homeschooling, it has enjoyed an increase in popularity. Because numerous businesses and/or schools were closed due to the virus, parents and children were forced to spend more time at home with each other. Learning was left in the hands of computers and parents. As this occurred, more and more people discovered the joys of homeschooling and the benefits it can offer.
If you’ve been introduced to the term “unschooling”, you may have heard it used as a synonym for homeschooling. This is not the case. Neither of them involves traditional schools, that’s true. But there is a difference.
If you plan to homeschool your child, the differences between the two are going to be crucial. Here, we are going to take a look at homeschooling versus unschooling.
Homeschooling – What Is It?
When, rather than at a traditional school, a student’s education is moved into the home (to a home-based system), this is homeschooling. Either by a qualified homeschool tutor or teacher, or by their parents, students are taught. The choice of which school curriculum to go with is an option provided to children and parents.
Combining homeschooling with other area children is one way for students not to be deprived of socialization, if that is a concern.
Unschooling – What Is It?
When, outside a traditional school system, a varied, special type of homeschooling takes place, this is referred to as unschooling. Exactly how education should be carried out is determined by the learner in this method. The facilitator (a parent or the main caregiver) observes the responses of the student and follows them. This can be regarding the pursuit of types of lessons, how to do their studies in general, etc.
Compared to traditional learning, this is altogether a different and distinctly unique type of education.
The Differences Between the Two
Now that we’ve described both homeschooling and unschooling, for the sake of clarity, let’s look at the differences:
- Freestyle Learning Versus Learning Milestones
To see how far along they’ve come in their classes, homeschoolers must complete worksheets and take exams. Using an allocated time frame and textbooks, topics are taught through structured teaching/learning. Students in unschooling, to see how much they’ve learned, are not required to meet any milestones. To learn important life skills, they are encouraged to think independently. When they want to reach their goals, they are allowed to.
- Free Flowing Versus Structured
Lessons, as prescribed, must be followed by students through the curriculum provided for traditional homeschooling. They focus on core subjects (i.e., language, math, science), and they cannot skip a lesson. Less priority may be given to topics like music and art. Unschooling allows students to skip lessons at will and study topics for as long as they choose.
- Interest-Based Versus Curriculum-Based
A curriculum set up by the government or by the school itself is followed by students for traditional homeschooling. They will take the same exams as students in traditional schools. If they leave homeschooling, they will adapt to traditional schools better. However, with unschooling, whatever the student is strongest at and interested in will be the focus. Without having to worry about exam schedules, the student can choose their preferred classes. There is no set curriculum.
The Best Homeschooling for Your Child – NFC Academy
A multitude of benefits is offered to children, parents, and teaching individuals through NFC Academy. We provide accredited home school programs for grades K through 12. For grades K through 5, we offer book homeschool programs, and for grades 3 through 12, online homeschool programs.
Rather than sending your child to traditional school and subjecting them to the uncertainties that lie within, would you like an affordable solution to ensure your son or daughter gets a world-class education? If so, contact us. Please feel free to call us at (888) 960- 4624 or fill out our convenient online form to request information.