FAQ

What is unschooling?

Unschooling is an educational philosophy that emphasizes a child's autonomy, curiosity, and natural inclination to learn. It is a departure from conventional education systems, which typically revolve around structured curriculum, standardized tests, and teacher-led instruction. In unschooling, the child takes charge of their learning journey, pursuing their passions, interests, and goals without rigid schedules or formal classrooms. (Read more.)

How do children learn to read?

Our teaching and learning strategies and methods are better, healthier, faster, more comprehensive, and more rewarding than regular schools who often force reading in coerced, tedious, poorly-designed, and harmful ways. Children learn to read in our more self-directed educational setting through various methods:

Reading Aloud to Students: Reading aloud is an intimate and impactful way to introduce children to the world of literature. Not only does it expose them to language and storytelling, but it also helps in developing their listening skills, vocabulary, and imagination. We make reading sessions interactive by using different voices for characters, asking questions about the story, and encouraging students to make predictions. We pause occasionally during reading a text to discuss the plot, characters' motivations, and other elements of the story.

Students Drawing the Letters: We encourage students to learn the letters of the alphabet by drawing and painting them, and even creating works of art from them, upper case and lower case letters. In addition, we encourage students to sing and play games using the letters of the alphabet.

Teaching Phonics and Sight Words: Phonics is the relationship between sounds and letters, and it's an important aspect of learning to read. We start by teaching the basic letter sounds and gradually progress to more complex phonetic rules. We engage students in fun activities like alphabet games, sorting objects that start with a specific letter, and using letter magnets, objects, and toys. Sight words are words that appear frequently in texts but might not follow early phonetic rules (e.g., "the," "is," "and"). For children who enjoy them, flashcards, games, and repetitive exposure can help students recognize and memorize these words.

Playing Word Games and Solving Puzzles: Word games and puzzles are fantastic tools for reinforcing reading skills while making learning enjoyable. Scrabble, for instance, not only builds vocabulary but also encourages strategic thinking. Word searches, crossword puzzles, and word jumbles help students recognize patterns in words and enhance spelling skills. These games can be adapted to various difficulty levels as the child progresses.

Making Library Visits: Libraries are treasure troves for young readers. They offer a wide variety of books across genres and interests. We encourage students to explore different sections of the library, from fiction to non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, and more. Many libraries organize story-time sessions where youth can listen to engaging stories and participate in related activities, fostering a love for reading and storytelling.

Utilizing Technology: Educational apps and websites can be valuable tools for learning to read. We help students choose interactive apps that focus on phonics, sight words, and reading comprehension. We help students choose content that is age-appropriate and aligns with their learning needs.

Encouraging Student Writing: Writing complements reading skills by reinforcing spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. We encourage students to write stories, create their own books, maintain a journal, and create project proposals. We offer students different writing tools and provide positive feedback to boost their confidence in expressing themselves through writing.

Applying Real-Life Reading: We engage students in reading everyday materials to enhance their practical application of literacy skills. We encourage them to read signs while out on walks, explore labels while shopping, follow recipes while cooking together, and decode game instructions. This hands-on approach helps children understand how reading is an essential part of everyday life, making it more relevant and meaningful.

Facilitating a Supportive Environment: We establish a reading-friendly atmosphere at our academy. We have a diverse collection of books easily accessible, including different genres, fiction, non-fiction, age-appropriate ,, and developmentally-appropriate materials. We (with students and teachers) design and create cozy reading corners and other comfortable spaces where students can immerse themselves in books. We establish regular reading routines and lead by example; students see teachers and other students enjoying books and discussing what we're reading. This nurturing environment cultivates a positive attitude towards reading.

How do children learn math?

In our project-based environment outside of traditional classrooms, teaching math is highly engaging and effective. Here's how we do it:

Using Real-World Application: We encourage hands-on experiences where math is applied in real-life situations. Projects like building models, cooking, crafting, or creating budgets for a project, fundraising effort, or business provide practical math applications. For instance, cooking involves measurements and fractions, building models can incorporate geometry and spatial reasoning, and managing projects and budgets includes following timeframes, resources, and money, and performing financial analysis.

Problem-Solving Challenges: We present math problems as challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This can include puzzles, brainteasers, or scavenger hunts that involve math concepts. Online platforms or apps offering math-based puzzles and challenges can also be engaging for some students.

Exploration through Play: We utilize games, sports, and activities that subtly integrate mathematical concepts. Board games like Monopoly or card games involving calculation foster numerical skills. Building with blocks or constructing intricate designs with Legos can introduce geometry and spatial awareness. Keeping score and tracking game and player statistics may come from involvement in sports.

Project-Based Learning Modules: We create project-based modules that weave math into broader themes. For example, designing a garden can involve measuring area and perimeter for plots, understanding ratios for planting, and budgeting for materials.

Technology Integration: We leverage educational apps and online resources that gamify learning math. Many online platforms and educational channels offer interactive lessons covering various math concepts.

Community Involvement: We engage with the community for math-related projects. These might involve collaborating with local businesses for budgeting exercises, measuring for community projects, or participating in community-based math events.

Hands-On Manipulatives: When appropriate, we use physical objects or manipulatives to illustrate math concepts. For instance, counting beans or using blocks to demonstrate addition and subtraction or using fraction bars to understand fractions.

Student-Led Exploration: We encourage students to explore mathematical concepts based on their interests. Whether it's through nature exploration, art, music, or sports, finding mathematical elements in their passions can make learning more relevant and enjoyable.

Do students really receive individual instruction?

Yes! Students receive individual, private, one-on-one (1:1), and small-group instruction with a teacher. Students are not herded into classrooms to sit and listen, and teachers are neither forced nor coerced to teach generic predefined curriculum to classes-full of students. So students and teachers have plenty of time to learn and to teach as individuals and small groups in more private, focused settings, in more personalized, customized manner, using more individualized teaching and learning strategies and methods.

Individual instruction offers several benefits compared to classroom instruction:

Personalized Pace: Individualized instruction allows for a personalized learning pace. Teachers can tailor the content, depth, and speed of instruction to match the student's unique learning style and abilities. This flexibility ensures that students grasp concepts thoroughly and deeply before moving on.

Focused Attention: In a one-on-one setting, the teacher can give undivided attention to the learner. This enables a deeper understanding of the student's strengths, weaknesses, and specific areas that require more attention. Teachers can provide immediate feedback and address misconceptions promptly.

Customized Learning: Individual instruction allows for a customized curriculum that aligns with the student's interests, needs, and learning goals. Teachers can employ diverse teaching methods and materials, catering to the student's preferences and optimizing their learning experience.

Building Confidence: With personalized attention and support, students often experience increased confidence. They are more likely to engage actively in the learning process, ask questions, and take ownership of their education, fostering a positive attitude towards learning.

Reduced Distractions: In a one-on-one setup, there are fewer distractions compared to a classroom setting. This focused environment promotes concentration and deeper engagement with the subject matter, enhancing learning outcomes.

Immediate Feedback: Teachers can provide immediate and specific feedback, addressing misconceptions or errors as soon as they arise. This timely feedback is instrumental in guiding students towards the correct understanding of concepts.

Catering to Learning Styles: Individual instruction allows for the adaptation of teaching strategies to match the student's preferred learning style—whether they learn best through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic methods—resulting in improved retention and understanding.

Enhanced Communication: With a smaller student-teacher ratio, communication becomes more effective. Students are more comfortable asking questions or seeking clarification, fostering a more open and communicative learning environment.

While students also participate in small group instruction and project-based, team-based learning, individual instruction provides tailored support and attention that can significantly benefit learners, especially those who might require a more customized approach to education (which is everyone).

The FAQ page is being developed ongoing as we hear more questions from you!

Have questions? Feel free to contact us and ask!