Priyanka’s Unschooling Story: Journey of Learning and Inspiration

The world of education is evolving, and parents are increasingly seeking unconventional paths to nurture their children’s growth. In a recent in-depth conversation, we had the privilege of exploring Priyanka’s remarkable journey into unparenting and unschooling for her son. Having shifted to Pune in 2013, Priyanka, a Core Faculty in an Architecture college, observed a significant gap in students’ clarity about their career choices. This revelation became the catalyst for her exploration of alternative education. Let’s delve into Priyanka’s experiences and insights as she embraced the unconventional approach of unschooling.

The Evolution into Unparenting and Unschooling

Priyanka’s journey commenced with astute observations about the inadequacies of traditional education, particularly in shaping critical thinking skills among students. Recognizing that many conventional schools prioritized grades over individual development, she set out to discover alternative schooling options in Pune that focused on the learning process rather than the end result.

The move towards unparenting and unschooling was fuelled by a desire to shield her child from the pitfalls of the traditional education system. Priyanka became increasingly aware of the importance of early childhood education and how it shaped a child’s perspective, strengths, and weaknesses. She observed that conventional schools often failed to provide the right environment for intuitive learning, stifling children’s inherent ability to think and grow.

The Introduction of Unschooling to a Child

Introducing the concept of unschooling to a child involves navigating through the understanding that traditional school activities may differ. Priyanka emphasizes that, as a parent, it’s crucial to comprehend that peers from traditional schools might be engaged in different activities at an earlier age. In her case, she noticed that children in unconventional schools were not introduced to writing until the age of six, focusing instead on muscle development essential for pencil-holding skills. The unconventional schools prioritized shoulder muscle development first, followed by the elbow, wrist, and fingers.

However, the emphasis on physical and cognitive growth in these alternative schools led to a more engaging and enjoyable learning experience for the children. Priyanka fondly recalls her son’s joy when she enrolled him in one such unconventional school at the age of three. These schools created an environment where children were not forced into rigid structures, such as wearing uniforms or sitting still for extended periods. Instead, they were allowed to move and explore based on their own interests until the age of six, fostering holistic development.

The Benefits and Challenges of Unschooling

Navigating the path of unschooling presented both benefits and challenges for Priyanka. Actively participating in her child’s learning journey became a significant challenge, particularly in an unschooling environment that emphasized freedom. However, the rewards were profound. At seven years old, her son displayed independent thoughts, rational thinking, fluency in his mother tongue, and an evident enjoyment of the learning process. His ability to think critically about various situations showcased the success of the unschooling approach.

The lack of traditional exams in unschooling institutions added an extra layer of responsibility for parents. Active involvement became essential for tracking a child’s progress, attending training sessions to adopt different teaching methods, and unlearning traditional approaches. Priyanka emphasized that parents should be patient observers, providing support when requested by the child rather than imposing their own agenda.

Unschooling and Parenting Philosophy

Priyanka’s parenting philosophy centres around creating the right environment for her child’s natural ability to learn and grow. She stresses the importance of respecting and trusting children from a young age, allowing them to fail and stand up on their own. This philosophy aligns with the idea that the process of learning is more crucial than the final outcome.

Resources and Strategies for Unschooling

For parents considering unschooling, Priyanka recommends being patient observers and learning from their children rather than teaching them. Actively participating in their developmental journey without influencing their choices ensures a balanced and fruitful unschooling experience.

Evolving Unschooling Journey

Priyanka envisions the unschooling journey as a means to preserve her son’s creativity and independent thinking. By avoiding societal pressures and external influences, unschooling aims to empower children to shape their educational journey, discover their true calling, and work towards self-driven goals.

Insights and Advice for Parents

To parents considering unschooling, Priyanka’s foremost recommendation is to conduct thorough research about this approach.

Meeting with experienced parents, visiting schools that follow the unschooling philosophy, and understanding both the advantages and disadvantages are crucial steps. Active parental involvement, patience, and trust in the child’s abilities are fundamental

A Remarkable Entrepreneurial Journey

The interview concludes by shedding light on Priyanka’s entrepreneurial journey. Inspired by her son’s early developmental phase, she founded Toy Trunk Pvt Ltd, a company dedicated to designing meaningful tools and toys for holistic child development.

Balancing entrepreneurship, teaching, and various other roles, Priyanka emphasizes the significance of self-care and pursuing personal happiness for a fulfilling life.

By sharing her detailed and inspiring story, Priyanka hopes to motivate fellow mothers to chase their dreams. She emphasizes that the journey matters more than the destination.