I really want to be unschooled but my parents won't let me... Any suggestions on how to convince them? =)?

Question

They're not really clear on the whole concept. They think it's just dropping out of school and doing nothing. I need some links or something for ways to make them understand! They also say I won't socialize enough D: I get good marks and I think I could teach myself /important/ things easily but they don't understand that. :(

I don't mean homeschooling.
And I never said I didn't want to learn anything. I absolutely love learning, I just don't like the boring processes of "teaching" you that normal school has to offer.

Thanks everyone. I'm in grade 8 =D

Answer 1

I have exactly the same problem. I am already homeschooled, but I really want to be unschooled. My mom has gone back and forth, agreeing to unschool me ( I took her to meet other unschoolers at a picnic) and then changing her mind once the initial excitement for the idea wore off... I have finally decided to just make a show out of every academic thing I do that isn't assigned in the hope that she will see that I will l can learn without being taught. You could try that, or else explain to your parents about the things you are interested in and how those things can lead to learning about other things. Also, make sure that they know you will need a "Deschooling" vacation before you start. You could suggest a trial period, but that would mean either doing independent work on top of you school work, or waiting for summer vacation to have your trial period, which you probably don't want to do cause the school year just started... You could have it over winter break...
About socialization, tell your parents that you can stay in touch with your school friends and make new friends in the homeschooling community and in your neighborhood, and through jobs, apprenticeships, etc. Let them know that kids make friends in spite of school, not because of it. In fact, by uncle was worried about socialization when we started homeschooling, but when he came to visit he was happily surprised that I had transformed for the shy 10 year old I had been two years earlier (when I went to public school) to a happy, talkative 12 year old. Also, we meet with one of our homeschooled friends ever Wednesday.

Also, have you read The Teenage Liberation Handbook, by Grace Llewellyn? There is a whole chapter on convincing your parents...

Sorry, my answer is kind long and unclear, but I hope I helped at least a little!

Answer 2

I'm 14 and unschooled; one of 9 siblings all of whom were, are or will be unschooled.

You could try getting a copy of Grace Llewellyn's book: 'The Teenage Liberation Handbook:how to quit school and get a real life and education'. That might help your parents to understand what unschooling is all about and what it can offer you.

I think some parents are just naturally anxious about their kids becoming unschoolers especially if their kids will need to get a job etc to survive when they're older (rather than being the heir to a family empire!). If that's you, you might have to introduce them to the idea very gradually maybe by showing them that you are able to find your own resources, organise yourself and teach yourself something useful while still going to school: slowly, slowly...catchee piggie, lol!

Answer 3

I would try to sell it to your parents as "homeschooling" first and show them the way you can organize some kind of schedule for your education. If they are skeptical, schedule landmark dates for reaching a certain goal or accomplishing the finish of a project. Also find others in your area doing the same kind of thing and try to get involved with kids your age. If they see the initiative these things take, they should trust you more that you are able to take charge of your own education.

Take a look at this website: http://www.sudval.org/
There are other schools like this in the US in addition to organizations that can act as "schools" even though you are not actually attending. They take care of testing, etc. because in some states in the US you must submit yearly progress. If you are worried about having documentation about your graduation these organizations can handle that too. But I wouldn't worry too much about that. In my experience there are many liberal arts colleges that accept students who have experienced alternative education. There are people who won't understand this and think that you dropped out of school but there are honestly so many experiences that you can have in your life that will more than make up for time spent in school.

Answer 4

I think I understand. You are bored with school and don't feel like you are getting any where. I'm not sure how old you are, but you talk like you are in high school. If that is true, lay out a set of things you need to know to get a degree. Then ask them to let you do it and give them a way to measure your progress. Make sure it is heavy in something you are instred in and includes things you don't like as well. Do a short version of it while keeping up your other studies and maybe if you show them you are a slf starter and are willing to stick with it, they will be more willing to listen. Oh, one more thing go to the libary get a book on un-schooling and leave it where they can find it and read it. They might just get the idea themselves.

Answer 5

Give them a copy of the Teenage Liberation Handbook plus get a list of activities from local homeschool support groups, not to mention adding things you would like to do but can't do because you're in school. Also, make sure to unschool during your own time, until such time that they may let you. Your example can work wonders.

Answer 6

Why waste time learning, when ignorance is instantaneous?

~ Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

Answer 7

If you are looking for a free download of Pagemaker you can check here http://j.mp/1r4SMer
You should definitly try it
Bye

Answer 8

I pretty much side with your parents, but... Why don't you write up a plan for learning something they would consider important. Show how you plan to learn it and what evidence you could show them that you had learned it. Give yourself some deadlines for accomplishing the task.

You may not like deadlines, but some people, you know like the IRS, have them and they get awfully unreasonable about those who ignore them.

Answer 9

Unschooled means someone without a school education and that is exactly what your parents are thinking. Perhaps you should be more clear in your meaning since it certainly does sound like you want to drop out of school.

Answer 10

Well you might be able to convence them by showing them how you can learn on your own. Proving that.