"Deschool" to Let Go and Embrace True Learning
The Unexpected First Step for a Thriving Homeschool
Welcome to TimeTrek! For those new here, this where I share our homeschooling journey founded on traditional values and family-centered education. You can learn more about my family and our approach here. Today, we're diving into a topic that might seem a little counterintuitive at first: Deschooling.
What if I told you that one of the best ways to start homeschooling might be to not do any formal schooling at all? You might be thinking that sounds crazy, right? Let's talk deschooling...
So, what is it, exactly? In simple terms, it's a period of adjustment and transition away from the structures and mindset of traditional schooling, allowing both children and parents to rediscover the joys of learning in a natural and flexible way.
note: I see a lot of people online confuse the terms deschooling and unschooling. Unschooling refers to a specific model of home education that does not involve formal lessons or seatwork and instead allowing your children’s interests to guide their education; deschooling is... well, keep reading and find out!
Why is this transition period so crucial for many families starting their homeschooling journey? Several key reasons.
Releasing the "School" Mindset
Traditional schooling - while it may be valuable in some ways - can also create some unhelpful habits. Think rigid schedules, constant pressure from grades, passive learning (lots of listening, not much doing), and a fear of making mistakes.
Deschooling helps families shift away from this mindset. It's about embracing the flexibility of homeschooling, focusing on your child's individual interests, and creating a safe space where they can explore, ask questions, and learn from mistakes without fear of failure.
For example, a child who's always been anxious about math tests might rediscover their love of numbers through baking – measuring ingredients and seeing math in action (and no, this doesn't mean they don't also have math class or tests).
This shift is crucial for empowering parents and creating a truly individualized learning experience, core principles of the TimeTrek approach.
Rekindling Curiosity and Connection
Kids are naturally curious, but sometimes the pressures of school can dampen that spark. Deschooling gives that spark a chance to reignite!
It's about providing time for children to rediscover their passions – whether it's dinosaurs, space, or art – and explore them at their own pace. It's also about rebuilding family connection and nurturing your family's faith. With the pressure of schoolwork lifted, there's more time for shared experiences – visiting a museum, reading Scripture together, reading aloud other books as a family, praying together, or simply enjoying each other's company.
This fosters open communication and strengthens the parent-child bond, which is essential for successful homeschooling. This focus on cultivating creators and innovators - and on strong families - is at the heart of what I value with TimeTrek.
Easing into Family Time and Intentional Living
Let's be real: going from school schedules to being together all the time is a big adjustment!
Transitioning to homeschool means adjusting daily routines. It's easy to fall into old habits like sleeping in or spending too much time on screens. Deschooling is about intentionally creating new routines and rhythms. It's about being mindful of how you spend your time, prioritizing family connection, and rediscovering how to be a family, all day, every day. This might mean taking "unplugged" days, having family game nights, or just taking more time for conversations.
Common Concerns
It's natural to worry that your child may fall behind if they take a break, especially if you're homeschooling to address learning gaps. But deschooling is a temporary transition and can actually improve long-term learning.
How long should you deschool? A general rule of thumb you’ll see recommended is about one month for every year your child was in traditional school, but this is just a guideline. And to be honest, I think that might be more time than I'd need or would know what to do with. Trust your instincts and observe your child; when they seem ready for more structure, you can begin to introduce it.
Many families find their children excel after deschooling. You might deschool over the summer or maybe only a long weekend. But, as you plan, be sure to check in on your state homeschool legislation to make sure you're not exposing yourself to potential trouble. Some families try to time it around their summer break, which might be a good way to get around taking the perceived extra time off.
Practical Deschooling Ideas:
Read aloud together (lots of books!).
Go on nature walks and explore the outdoors.
Visit museums, libraries, and historical sites.
Play games (board games, card games, video games – yes, even a little bit of those!).
Work on projects together (building, cooking, crafting).
Just talk to each other! Have conversations about anything and everything.
Plan your homeschool TOGETHER. Even the youngest kids will benefit from having their ideas heard.
Making it work for your family
Take this gift of time with your kids! Don't try to fill every minute but spend time being intentional together. Go on adventures. Connect with your community. Follow rabbit trails of your children's interests. Let them help you plan the foundations of your homeschool. Slow down. Deschooling is more than just a "break" – it's an essential foundation for a thriving homeschool. It's about letting go of the "school" mindset and embracing a new way of learning and living, together. Embrace the process, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey!
Welcome to TimeTrek Learning!
This is where I share general insights and strategies from my own family’s experience and from working with other homeschoolers. Every child’s journey looks different, but these principles can apply across the board. If you’d like to see more, follow along on 𝕏 TimeTrekFam for daily updates and general shenanigans and click below to subscribe for free on Substack for the real content!
I’ll be launching my own website soon, but until then you can check out my TimeTrek homeschool materials available for download on Gumroad.