With all the uncertainty of remote learning and online learning approaches, I have heard many parents express concern that their children will fall behind because of this pandemic. From my perspective as an unschooling mom, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t worry about this: 1. The absence of school doesn't mean the absence of learning. It doesn’t take educators to educate. We are all—especially children—naturally learning all the time. Humans--especially children—are wired to learn and adapt to their environment. The learning might be different from school subjects, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. In fact, when we are finding answers to our own questions we learn effectively and efficiently. What we seek from a point of interest or need, we retain. Also, current research confirms that our brains are plastic and we can learn at any age. So, even if we miss something now, we can always learn it later. Three things necessary for optimal learning 1. Intrinsic motivation – an inner need or interest 2. A relaxed, non-judgmental environment 3. Available resources 2. We live in a world that is abundant with resources. Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia are the tip of the Internet iceberg for information at a moment’s notice. We can search answers to our questions, read books, and find experts to connect with. These resources are free, accessible, and unconnected to school. 3. When kids follow their unique interests, it’s impossible to fall behind because there is no standard to measure against. Everyone is different, interests are varied, and kids learn at different rates. When they are empowered to follow their curiosity, and learn for the fun of it, they are relaxed and open. (However, remember that the things they are curious about or interested in aren’t necessarily the same things that school demands from them.) Playful, free learning works. In the animal world, complexity of play is significantly correlated with brain size. Further, research shows that the more time kids spend in structured activity, the more their executive function is reduced. Executive function develops during childhood and involves the ability to: - Regulate behavior - Focus attention - Plan ahead - Control impulses - Make decisions - Set goals - Filter distractions - Prioritize tasks - Inhibit unwanted thoughts and feelings
People with good executive function tend to take care of their own health, have strong relationships, and have more stable careers. The antidote to structured learning is free play and free exploration. This builds what we want for our children: creativity, innovative thinking, reasoning skills, social skills, and verbal skills--all traits of people you’d like to sit next to at a dinner party!
While parents may feel limited by how much freedom they can, or are willing to, allow their children, even small moves that grant autonomy and choice to kids can foster more openness and ease the pressure and anxiety of tests and grades. As much as possible, allow your children to explore on their own, take the reins, and the associated responsibility for their own learning. Empowering them to venture beyond assignments could lead to some unexpected benefits.