Do Kids Need School? Coercive vs. Self-Directed Learning

In this salon, Nat Sharpe & Martha Sharpe will share their unschooling story and lead a discussion on education alternatives.

“It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education” –Albert Einstein

Most people will admit they hated school and were even traumatized by it. But when they have children of their own, they repeat the cycle. Why? Parents want their children to be successful and assume that requires a forced education, no matter the psychological cost.

So, is school a necessary evil or is there another way?

Nat & Martha think there is. After trying traditional homeschooling (and hating it!) they discovered a radical philosophy that suggests children can take charge of their own education.

Sometimes called unschooling, self-directed learning comes in many flavors. It can be practiced in families or in school-like settings. It acknowledges that children are intrinsically curious and motivated, and that they learn best through play and exploration. Adults become helpers instead of teachers. Curriculums are replaced by the interests of the children.

But does it actually work? That’s what Nat & Martha aim to find out! In the first half of this salon they will share what they have tried over the past few years, what has worked and what hasn’t. In the second half, they will open it up to discussion and questions. They are still learning alongside their children. And part of that education is hearing from people like you!

Suggested reading:

• What is Unschooling?
• Forced Schooling, Anxiety and “Learning Disorders”
• Unschoolers learn what they want, when they want

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