How to Unschool when your kid just wants to play on their device | Homeschool Chats with Beth

[@U_neekliss]

I've been balking at unschooling for years because I just didn't understand it but having a seemingly unfocused 17 year old, it's thwarted me on a desperate search for a different way because he is a different learner. All that to say that this podcast was so eye-opening for me!!! Thank you so much for making unschooling plain!

[@BethPavlik]

I'm so glad it was helpful to you!

[@Imancabistan]

I loved what you said about real life not being doing worksheets and then going to play. Real is being responsible.

[@melissamarsh777]

I am SO grateful to have found you! I'm new to "unschooling" my 15 year old, who went through 8th grade in public school. He wants to game constantly! I appreciate you!!♥️💫

[@BethPavlik]

Welcome, Melissa!

[@NatureGloseScience]

I LOVE this! As a teacher it took me years to deschool, deprogram and move away from schoolish ways. Thankfully, I had the hands-on opportunity to create a child self-directed nature program for homeschoolers before I moved it online. I could have gone on forever with the in person self-directed learning center, but, sadly, it was meant to run for one year. It's so exciting to see homeschoolers like you discover the freedom to learn your kiddos way!

[@sarahc8645]

Thank you for this video about unschooling and for giving me a better understanding. I love how natural and organic this method of homeschooling is.

[@BethPavlik]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@Templeofpoon]

👏👏👏”we want them to be actively using their brains and not just taking things at face value” 👏👏👏💖🌟

[@Templeofpoon]

I gotta start taking notes during your videos. So much great content!

[@MetaMomChristy]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻 It is good to know that I am not the only mom to think this way! Although some of the academics is important, however what is happening in the world and how we teach and prepare our children how to deal with it is just as important. One of the we do that they will definitely not learn in a public school is how to protect themselves and how to survive without having the essentials that so many of us have taken for granted recently. I'm glad I found you here and will be watching more often, I am actually trying to get my own blog/vlog/website/business going. Thanks for some great info!

[@BethPavlik]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! I hope you stick around. ❤️

[@MaineGalVal]

Thank You! I've known unschoolers who also unparented, and as a result their kids were not prepared for secondary education and were disrespectful druggies to boot. Today in their late 20's still adrift in life. We strike a balance in our family between child/interest led activities and obligatory academics. They can choose their weekly schedule of when to work on academics, but they cannot choose to NOT do some each week. Getting off devices and spending time out of the house and having family time are also obligatory. As a result we have one doing dual enrollment in college as a 16 year old, and the other is not far behind.

[@BethPavlik]

We are the same- it’s a balance. Sounds like you’re doing a great job!

[@Poochiepoochie54321]

As we are discussing whether to homeschool I am wondering about a comment that was made to me by a public school mom. She said that she chose public school because she wants to exposed her child to all kinds of people from different cultures and backgrounds because that's what it will be like in the real world. I think that's a really good point. How do you expose your kids to other cultures or people from other socio economic backgrounds etc. while unschooling? Thanks!

[@jessicagriffith5732]

We attend a cultural rich gym with a kids club we go 5X a week depending on local libraries events. We attend 6 local libraries and stay to socialize. We also added ourselves into 3 local homeschool fb groups and attend museums as much as possible

[@caroldraper5017]

I would not restrict “too much” gaming. I worked at Sudbury Valley School for eleven years and knew plenty of kids who played video games almost exclusively for months and even years! If you don’t know about Sudbury Valley please look it up! Fascinating and my son son graduated from there and went on to Tufts and The Museum School in Boston.

[@BethPavlik]

You worked at Sudbury Valley?! Would you be interested in being interviewed about it? Send me an email [e-mail] and let’s talk.

[@created2live1]

I was just reading the comments on here and came across yours. I looked up Sudbury Valley School and watched the video that is on the website. What a lovely place for a child to go to. It seems like such a great place for someone to grow up in, and learn different things and different ways. I really wish I lived near it, because I would work very hard to have my two children attend it. Thank you for sharing it. It's nice to see places like this. What a difference it makes.

[@kr6484]

Minecraft also offers Minecraft Education which schools use and have activities for all subjects. There's also a chemistry mod where they can learn the elements of the periodic table and making chemical bonds. So cool. My daughter loves it!

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

I’m loving your videos. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experience, and ideas.

[@BethPavlik]

My pleasure, Tolanda!

[@molitts]

Thanks, Beth this was great. I am just starting the journey and kind am kind of a mix of Montessori, Reggio, Charlott Mason, and unschooling in one lol. I totally give my kids real-world experience, let them use the tools and things professionals would use, and let them talk to and interview professionals. So crucial to learning and expanding their view of the world and career paths. My daughter has an interest in learning about veterinarians too. She interviewed a friend of ours, we are taking a tour of the clinic, we got books, and looked at a day in the life video on you tube super helpful. We got her a real stethoscope to learn to use, and she attends a little farm morning program nearby a few days a week to work with animals.

[@BethPavlik]

Sounds wonderful!

[@unconditionallovehomeschoo1830]

Such an interesting discussion everything was very informative and enlightening

[@BethPavlik]

Thanks for watching!

[@rosalinares6023]

You're fantastic! Thank you!

[@BethPavlik]

Thank you, Rosa 😊

[@DanniB_383]

Great video. We are about to start home education for the first time. I work full time out of the house but my hubby is a stay at home dad, he'll facilitate during the day and I'll find opportunities in the evening and on weekends. Looking forward to the journey but also scared the kids will try to slack off.

[@BethPavlik]

Good luck!

[@caroldraper5017]

Some kids do need to “Slack off” if they have just recently left public school. Its ok and please trust them to do it, knowing it wont last forever.

[@katemurphy4985]

Thank you so much for this video I needed the reminder why I'm homeschooling. My daughter is 12 and its so easy with her, she does her work and loves to read and learn my boys 8, 11 could careless. My 11 year old is having trouble reading but I think it's bc he's being lazy and rather just play in the woods. He can read but not at the level I think he should be. The 8 year old just wants to play. Do you recommend any tools or books or do I need to just enjoy this time with them being kids. Like I've told my husband I'm sure they will be able to read, write a paper and do college Math before the get married lol..

[@BethPavlik]

Hi Kate! Thank you for your comment. I wouldn't say your 11 year old is lazy for not wanting to read and would rather play in the woods. There's nothing lazy about him wanting to be outside, exploring, and being in control on his own time. As far as his reading level, what level would you want him at? The goal should be that he loves reading, sees it as valuable, and that he reads things that he cares about. Levels do not matter when it comes to reading- his interest in it matters the most. If the 8 year old just wants to play, please give him lots of time to do that! Playing is so important because, again, he controls what and how he plays, he is using his own creativity and imagination to come up with the games, and kids should have all the time in the world to just be kids. Yes, I would absolutely enjoy this time with your kids as much as possible! Homeschooling should be joyful, not a stress-inducing slog. Since you asked for recommendations, I would highly suggest using my unit studies to learn and have fun with your kids. I have an Italy unit study on my website right now: bethpavlik.com/product/italy-unit-study/ I also highly recommend you use my free resources for learning and memory making experiences with your kids: bethpavlik.com/homepage/ Click on the "Free Resources" tab on my homepage. I hope this was helpful and encouraging to you!

[@roxanagarcia1555]

I tried your website, but it’s not taking me to the Italy unit study- it only shows the starter guide?

[@fatimashah8516]

Amazing ❤love your knowledge..very helpful

[@BethPavlik]

Thank you.

[@SouthernStitcher]

Hi! Is the list of homeschool outings still available? It looks like your website has been shut down.

[@ThirdEyeSpy333]

I really needed this, thank you x

[@BethPavlik]

You're so welcome!

[@owlbookworld5041]

I would very much like the outing download but the link isn’t working. Did you delete it?

[@susanricketts8916]

Why is your link on outings not working?

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

I do a lot of Gameschooling too

[@BethPavlik]

Games can be such a great learning tool!

[@melissasonntag347]

Will you share with me how you do “gameschooling”?

[@Lazy84.20]

Your website links are not working. Do you have another link?

[@CBusCP]

Both websites say they are private and require a login 😢 Help please.

[@rashellbrownlee155]

When I try to go to the website it says private? How can I get the outings resource guide?

[@BethPavlik]

Here you go: teachfromhome.ck.page/a2a65ae1cf

[@LizandTommy]

I am so interested in unschooling and offering all these opportunities. But you also mentioned your curriculum and the school work you do. My 8 year old puts up so much resistance to school work that it takes all day and we have no time for the fun stuff. I hate this and know it’s not good for us. Yet, I’m terrified that he’ll just play games all day, which is why I watched the video. But I don’t think this answered this question for kids who are extremely resistant to the small academic part. You say to keep parenting and still set this boundary. But that is literally sucking the life out of us. Yet, I know if able he’ll just play all day. I know there will be some value to the play, but I also want him to learn about other things and worry that he won’t.

[@charityneverfaileth22]

I would restrict devices completely during a big chunk of the day, but limit formal school work to 1 hour a day. 20 minutes reading, 20 minutes writing, 20 minutes math. Let him play the rest of the day, but not on screens. Unlimited screens are bad for everyone. Mental health suffers. Just let him be bored and find things to do. Have books, legos, and access to the outdoors. You don't have to entertain him. Let him find things he wants to do besides screens.

[@charityneverfaileth22]

Also, feel free to get out and do things and skip formal work if you don't have time. Go to the park, go to the library, go to the grocery store, go to the post office, go to the fire department, go to a museum..

[@chuckirizarry7917]

I highly suggest to read the books better late than early!! They helped me change my perspective and expectations on my sons to truly help me see what was important and know that God has this I just need to do my part, I'm learning 😅 right along with them if not more. But this whole fear that my children aren't learning anything bc I'm not doing ABC was challenged and having patience with their young ages they seem so old at 8 and 10 but I have adult children too and that helps me see how young they truly are what a gift this time is and I dont want to spend every day feeling like a failure bc we are not we are moms giving are all each day not perfectly but trying our best. I'm learning my boys are watching me all day long how I speak my vocabulary my manners how I handle stress or conflict my relationships with myself included 😂😂 just life being lifey and how/who I go to rely on through prayer and connection with other like minded people. How does Mom learn? What does she do when she wants to find out more about something? They're watching thye might not have any active follow through 😂😂 right now but I have faith seeds are planted each day bc I'm sowing something and just like flowers when THEY are ready they will BLOOM!! The minute I backed off my older son on his reading and gave up my expectations and comparing to just let him be himself within months he found pizza and taco books he loved and it took off from there but I do not push I want them to lovereadong for themselves!! My youngest now is a strong reader but doesn't read daily I dont push knowing that when the time is right it will happen bc I have given him the ingredients he needs to bake the cake!! ❤

[@psikeyhackr6914]

Have you had kids read Science Fiction? I do not mean Star Wars. LOL A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C Clarke is my go to reference. Can you use Plato to explain infrared? That is why I started reading about Greek philosophers in 7th grade. You want history? Try '1632' by Eric Flint

[@xthebluenitex]

Unfortunately, where I live you can't "unschool" but I do think its a cool concept.

[@AmberGates]

Lego Super Heroes motivated one of my non verbal children to speak. 😍

[@BethPavlik]

That’s amazing!!!

[@jessicagriffith5732]

My 8yo wanted to make me lol so she balanced/ floated then started quoting Newtons law of physics she tells me (based off Netflix Who was show) we immediately called my husband / dad said I didn’t learn that until college for Chemical major 😂😅

[@cheeryjellbeans]

I put read aloud on you tube on out TV while she eats and draws.

[@jennicompton3451]

Binge watching your videos, loving it! One question though, with Google at our fingertips, how do you feel about using it? You mentioned going to find a book or reading about anything you are interested in, but Google is so convenient. Yes, I am aware anyone can put anything online based off their opinion so you could get false info, but I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

[@BethPavlik]

Thanks for watching! Google’s great! We use it for a lot of fast facts.

[@juliesmullen9144]

Unschooling is not UN-parenting,…video games or devices are not a requirement for life nor are kids entitled to them. Why don’t parents just NOT give these to their kids if they don’t actually want them playing on them . I’ve never allowed video games or devices at young ages. I have 7kids and love to see them using their imaginations and creativity most! I don’t think devises lend to a real childhood! Real meaning children actually playing make believe and finding their creative abilities and interests! ❤️

[@YTl.c.]

..too structured to be an unschooler and should rename the title completely...On that note, there are no limits to devices with unschooling because future techies only do that. For HOURS because that's what solving code errors and writing code takes. Life skills just is an ongoing discussion but who can make someone do life skills every day unless you beat or traumatize them? That would be bad

[@annab13]

Wow, that's a great point!