I get asked a lot how I get my ideas for Unschooling because unlike traditional school there is no ‘how to’ manual.  Unschooling is self-directed learning or child-led learning in which the child decides what they want to learn and how they want to learn it.  As a parent/teacher I don’t teach them everything, but I do lead them in the right direction, help them find the answers they seek and guide them into learning what they are interested in and love.  We do not take tests, use a curriculum, fill out workbooks, write five-page essays, or do a certain subject at a certain time of day or week.

So how do I guide them to learn what their little heart desires if I do not use a planner, a curriculum, or an online course?  First, I start with what they want to learn, and then we research it to find out more.  I use Pinterest a lot and keep track of my great finds.  Here’s how to get started. If you have never used Pinterest.com, trust me you will love it once you get started.

The first thing you have to know about Pinterest.com is that if you put in the right keywords you can find anything.  You can find things you love, things that are funny, or just view stuff you just want one day when you win the lottery. These ideas are saved on a Pinterest board’. Let’s get started saving those amazing ideas for Unschooling/homeschooling.

Here are the basics of Pinterest.com, but for more detail click here

• First, you need to sign up. It’s free so don’t worry.  You can sign up through Facebook or just give them an email.
• Start searching. Maybe you will start with something like ‘math games’, ‘kid-friendly recipes’, ‘art and reading combined’, and ‘science for the brave at heart.
• Find the post you like, put your mouse over the picture, and then click to ‘pin’ it.
• Create aboard. Click on the drop-down arrow for the board. Name it something like ‘math games’, in this case.
• Description: This is usually already there, but you can edit it if you like.
• Pin it: Click ‘Pin it’, and you’re done!

You didn’t just copy a picture with a description. You actually copied a website address. When you click on that picture, it will take you to the web address you just found.  I like to check out the website page before I pin it to make sure it is what I was looking for.  You can make boards for all almost anything.  Search for ideas and then come back weeks or months later and look at what you saved. Here is a link to my boards to get you started.