Why I Homeschool, Why I Unschool

By Kandy Crosby-Hastings

“For the Lord gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come
knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:6

omeschooling is said to be more accepted now. In fact, many say that homeschooling is becoming more and more “fashionable” – more and more “stylish.” Based upon these statements, many are equating homeschooling to latest fashion trend. How sad! When I began homeschooling my two sons – Taliesin, who is now six, and Nathanael, who is now three – the farthest thing from my mind was the latest educational trend. I had in mind that I did not want my sons learning values that the public school system deemed they should learn. I did not want my sons learning that they evolved from a lower species and that everything we see on this beautiful earth came into being because of a random accident. I did not want my sons being taught that anything related to God or religion is wrong to mention in public. I truly believe that the majority of homeschoolers around the world thought nothing about being trendy when they decided to take control of their own children’s education.

Over the past three years, I have studied various methods of education, searching for the one that works best for my sons. (That is another benefit of homeschooling. Homeschooling is individualized, not a one-size-fits-all approach to learning). I have listened to God, read His Word, and observed my sons. All too often we, as Christians (in particular, Christian homeschoolers) approach teaching our children in a traditional, teacher/parent-directed manner. But is this truly the method advocated in the Bible? When I truly began studying the Bible, searching for answers, I found that what we see in today’s traditional schools is just the opposite of what Christ Himself practiced. Jesus met people where they were. He used illustrations that everyone listening could relate to. In short, He individualized their instruction. No where does the Bible say that a child has to learn to read in first grade. No where does it say that high school students have to take two years of algebra. In fact, I cannot find one single mention of grade levels at all.

What I do find is Jesus teaching that we should not forbid children from coming to Him; that if we do anything to make a child turn from Him it would be better that we be drowned in the ocean; and that if we do not become as children, we will never see the Kingdom of Heaven. I truly felt God speaking to me. Instead of trying to make my sons into miniature adults, I should be striving to become more and more like them. My sons love learning the Bible. They love reading Bible stories and relating them back to me. They love learning, in general. Why would I want to – why would I even consider – taking that love of learning away from them by forcing them to learn what I feel they should learn at the time I feel they should learn it? I cannot bear to do so. This is why, in our homeschooling adventures, we follow a child-directed, unschooling method. I want my sons to be life-long learners – individuals that always enjoy learning.

Recently, I started a home-based childcare. One fact that I found interesting is that, based upon child-care laws in my state, all children in childcare are required to have at least one hour of outside time per day. The state prefers that children have their day comprised mostly of unstructured, free play. This free play is what develops critical thinking skills. Why is it, then, that once children reach five years of age, this all changes? Kindergartners (in some places in school a full day) have homework. Schools are being built without playgrounds. And homeschoolers are often the ones promoting traditional school work for young children. I have to disagree with this logic.

So while it may not be the trendiest of methods, I will follow what I truly believe God has led me to. I will allow my sons to learn naturally, by following whatever interests and talents the Lord has bestowed upon their hearts. Our educational journey has taken us on many unique adventures and I’m sure more are to come.

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