Description

NEW! Learn about the fastest growing educational alternative where the learning focus is on acquiring competencies through self-directed education within solid relationships. This book examines the nature of learning, teaching, motivation, stress, and the power of relationships, written by a child development specialist. It also reveals the insights from the Team of Thirty (TOT), which are 30 family friends that all unschooled and gained entrance to post-secondary education.

More and more parents are pulling kids out of school due to bullying, boring on-line courses and irrelevant, outdated curriculum delivered from a rigid government prescribed agenda. Until now, students were tied to their neighborhood school, government and country, based on their house address, however, with the Internet, today's students are now border-less. Learning can occur anywhere, anytime, any method, any content, and from any expert, including self-taught.

Disengaged learners in our assembly-line model of school currently tune-out, act-out or drop-out. Education must change and unschooling is the fastest growing alternative method of learning.

Children today can get just as good education playing video games as going to school. Self-directing their education, students learn through play, volunteering, jobs, mentorship, projects, travel and even (gasp!) playing computer games. This book follows the path of 30 unschooled children who self-directed all or part of their education and were accepted and/or graduated universities, colleges and post-secondary schools.

What children need most is close relationships with adults such as parents, teachers, coaches, grandparents and siblings within a community, not just a school. Educational content is everywhere. Caring relationships are not. Many children are self-taught. When families choose unschooling, they no longer have to choose between a quality education and a relaxed family lifestyle. Now they can have both.

Part 1 What is Unschooling?

Chapter 1 The problem
Chapter 2 The solution
Chapter 3 What unschooling is and is not
Chapter 4 Play
Chapter 5 Free schools

Part 2 Why Unschool?

Chapter 6 History of education
Chapter 7 Academic benefits
Chapter 8 Social benefits
Chapter 9 Emotional benefits
Chapter 10 Physical benefits
Chapter 11 Societal benefits

Part 3 How to Unschool

Chapter 12 Adult
Chapter 13 Resources
Chapter 14 Unstructured time
Chapter 15 Assessment

Part 4 Unschooling and Child Development Stages

Chapter 16 Brain basics
Chapter 17 Babies, toddlers and preschoolers Ages 0-5
Chapter 18 Elementary years Ages 6-11
Chapter 19 Junior high years Ages 12-14
Chapter 20 High school years Ages 15-18
Chapter 21 Post-secondary years Ages 19-25

Reviews

"Concise parenting advice that presents alternative ways to help children grow, learn, and get into college or work. Arnall's stage-by-stage descriptions, supporting documentation, and personal stories create a useful handbook for families interested in self-directed education." Patrick Farenga, John Holt/Growing Without Schooling

"This book is for anyone dissatisfied with the educational system but doesn't want to homeschool either. There really is a third option." Sandra P., Unschooling Mom

"Received the book and am thoroughly enjoying it. My fears are already in abeyance after just a few pages" Lisa Z.

"Absolutely LOVE this book! It answers so many questions!" Heather M.

"Thank you for Unschooling To University. It had shown me a new perspective of unschooling and outlined the key elements very clearly." Maria O.

"This book forces one to look at education in a whole new lens." Shari H.

"I recently found your book and am loving every page. I bought 2 more copies that I have sent to the "grandparents", as my introduction to them of my son & my family decision in respect to his new learning style. Thank you again." Maureen D.

"I’m reading Unschooling To University right now! I couldn’t put it down last night! Ha! I woke up this morning and told the kids...don’t worry about your workbooks today." Reena G.

"Best. Book. Ever. I wish I had this book when I was starting out. I recommend it to everyone (even those who are not 'unschooling'). It is a fascinating read with tonnes of current studies, reports, and polls." Melanie R.