Why Deschooling Is a Crucial Prelude for New Homeschooling Families
The deschooling process holds profound significance not only for children transitioning to homeschooling but also for adults. This transformative journey becomes a crucial prelude for parents considering homeschooling for their children.
This article explores the pivotal role of deschooling for adults, emphasizing its importance as a shared experience that can be undertaken alongside their children.
We also delve into the insights of philosopher Ivan Illich, whose ideas on education align seamlessly with the principles of deschooling.
Understanding Deschooling for Adults
Deschooling for adults is a deliberate break from traditional school mindsets, a process that becomes especially vital for parents taking on the responsibility of homeschooling. It lays the foundation for a fresh perspective on education, setting the stage for a more flexible and individualized approach to personal and familial learning.
Shifting Perspectives Together
As parents embark on the deschooling journey, they recognize the need to liberate themselves from ingrained patterns associated with traditional schooling. This process involves questioning deeply held beliefs about education, grades, and success, fostering a collective shift in perspective towards a more holistic and individualized approach to lifelong learning.
Reassessing Educational Assumptions as a Family
Deschooling encourages parents to examine societal assumptions about education and learning critically. It prompts a family-wide reassessment of what true learning means, challenging the belief that formal school settings are the exclusive paths to knowledge. This shared experience allows parents and children to embrace a newfound freedom to tailor education to unique needs and interests.
Ivan Illich’s Influence on the Collective Journey
A significant influence on the deschooling process is the philosophy of Ivan Illich, notably articulated in his work “Deschooling Society.” Illich proposed that true education could occur organically when specific elements were present: things, models, peers, and elders. Deschooling as a family aligns with Illich’s vision by creating an environment where these elements can flourish, facilitating an authentic and shared educational experience.
Time for Collective Rediscovery
At the core of deschooling for adults homeschooling their kids is the opportunity for a shared rediscovery of joy in learning. This phase allows families to collectively identify their passions, interests, and preferred learning styles outside the constraints of a traditional curriculum. Parents can model a genuine passion for continuous learning, inspiring their children to do the same.
Building Stronger Family Bonds
Deschooling emphasizes the importance of family dynamics in the learning process. It provides an opportunity for families to connect, support one another, and establish an environment conducive to lifelong education. This period lays the foundation for strong family bonds, creating a shared journey toward personal growth and a holistic approach to learning.
Conclusion
Deschooling is not just an individual journey but a collective experience for families considering homeschooling. It serves as a vital prelude, fostering a fresh perspective on education and laying the groundwork for a more flexible and individualized approach to learning.
As adults deschool alongside their children, they model a genuine passion for continuous learning, creating a shared journey that is enriching, fulfilling, and transformative for the entire family.
In embracing the philosophy of Ivan Illich, the deschooling process becomes an authentic educational experience, encouraging families to create an environment where the natural joy of learning can flourish.
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Blessings,
Kimberly Bennett, LPC
Founder/CEO, It’s Only Homeschooling
Founder/CEO, The Homeschool Counseling Network
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only.
