In a world that often measures success by grades and schedules, unschooling offers a gentle, heart-centred alternative that honours each child’s natural curiosity and unique path. For our family, this approach means embracing learning through life’s everyday moments—whether it’s picking up litter to protect wildlife, exploring new places, or simply playing freely and safely at home or on nearby adventures. Our twins, aged 6, and their oldest sibling, aged 8, are growing into compassionate, confident individuals without the pressure of traditional schooling. Their learning is guided by their own interests and supported by a loving, mindful environment. This poem celebrates the beauty of unschooling for our whole family, and the joy of raising children who learn because they care.
Unschooling: The Way We Wander
In a world that ticks by bell and rule,
We chose a path that’s wild and cool—
No uniforms, no lines to toe,
Just hearts that wonder, eyes that glow.
We wake when light peeks through the blinds,
No rush, no fuss, just open minds.
The world’s our classroom, wide and free,
We learn from life, from land and sea.
Two little hands, so eager, bright,
Pick litter up to set things right—
“Save the birds!” they say with care,
For kindness grows when love is there.
We’ve travelled far, and wandered wide:
To Portugal’s sun and ocean tide,
To Manx hills and volcanic sand,
With sea lions swimming hand in hand.
Guinea pigs scurry, squeak, and play,
Our lively friends, who make our day.
No heavy leash, no daily race,
Just gentle paws and a cozy space.
No crowd of cousins, kin, or peers,
But stories shared through passing years—
A singer’s song, a teacher’s cheer,
Swim school splashes, laughter near.
They climb the shed, the window ledge,
They balance boldly on the edge.
Risky play, the freedom found
In feeling life from sky to ground.
We don’t force hands or drag our feet,
No morning battles, no defeat.
They choose to learn, to care, to grow—
Their spirits lead, and we let go.
So here’s to days that don’t repeat,
To lessons found on every street.
To growing wild, and true, and free—
Unschooling life, as life should be.
Gentle Parent 