"Unschooling isn't a method of instruction, it's a different way of looking at learning." Linda Wyatt

Unschooling takes 'education' out of learning - allowing learning to occur in a natural way, led by interest, passion, need, want, desire, to satisfy some immediate demand or long term goal. Learning becomes personally meaningful to the learner. This doesn't take the 'teacher' or 'mentor' out of the picture - home learning, in whatever form it takes, is a family and community affair. Decisions made about learning activities are generally cooperatively decided after consultation and shared brainstorming sessions. Sometimes learning becomes an intensively personal affair; at other times the whole family will pursue an interest together with avid interest.

Learning Maths Naturally
by Margaret Etherton and Beverley Paine
Many of us became confused as young mathematicians at school... Margaret and Beverley share how they helped their children retain this natural ability. Tips, ideas and suggestions accompany these two reassuring accounts. 2005

Natural Learning
by Beverley Paine
Allow your children to pursue their passions and interests and build learning programs around every day life...  Beverley shares her tips on how to homeschool with simplicity and efficiency. 1999

The Homeschooling Trail
~ A Journey of Faith

Michele Hastings

ISBN 1 876651 31 8, Paperback

AUS$19.50

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Faced with an uncertain financial future, Michele Hasting, a Christian unschooling mother of seven years experience, begins to doubt her ability to continue teaching her children at home. Her insecurities lead her to begin to question her faith and her ability to provide an adequate education for her two boys. The Homeschooling Trail is an intimate and detailed account of how the children in one family learn at home using an eclectic mix of methods and resources, finely tuned into the passing seasons of school work, community participation, and family life. Share Michele’s quest for faith in this revealing ‘warts and all, fly on the wall’ account of daily homeschooling life.

Michele's insights into the developing character of her sons and their strengths and limitations allow us to see more clearly how learning unfolds in the homeschool environment. One of the most valuable aspects of Michele’s account of daily homeschooling life is the constant name dropping of books and resources… In her quest to provide the best education possible for Asher and Tymon, Michele never tires of seeking out new and relevant advice, tips and activities from those more experienced on the path…

"This book has been my attempt to share our homeschooling journey. In its pages I’ve revealed many of my deep-seated convictions, innermost thoughts, and most challenging struggles in the telling of our tale. Not only will you learn how we went about homeschooling our children, but what it actually looked like – on the good days, and on the bad. My hope is that everyone who reads this book will reap what he or she needs from it. If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas, I hope that thoughts are triggered as you peruse its pages. If it’sreassurance, I pray you’ll identify with our struggles as well as our victories over our struggles."

"Although our style of education — home and community based, hands-on, exploratory, service and project oriented, multi-sensory, and with integrated subjects, is as old as the hills — it is considered cutting edge in today’s society!"

What readers think...

Write a review and share your thoughts with other homeschooling families.

“We don't adhere to any particular curriculum or scope and sequence – our homeschooling recipe is an eclectic blend of styles and theories. Mary Griffith, author of “The Homeschooling Handbook” refers to eclectics as ‘balancing exploration with basics.' As much as possible, we allow our boys to follow their interests, as we consider any interest of educational benefit.”

And thus author and homeschooling mother, Michele Hasting, describes her homeschool. After reading her journey, a description of one year in their “unschooled” life, I feel it is an apt description. It also probably describes the homeschooling journey of many others – and is precisely why the book is a satisfying read. We see ourselves, our doubts, our experiences in Hastings ' description of her homeschool.

Hastings is a Christian homeschooling mother of two sons. Both Hastings and her husband are drawn to the unschooling end of the homeschooling spectrum. They believe that children, growing up in a loving and responsive home, will reach their full potential as adults.

This is, however, not another book about picture perfect homeschoolers. Instead, the author invites us to “be a fly on our wall for a realistic day-by-day glimpse of homeschooling life”, including sports, video games, chores and some angst over covering academic basics.

Michele Hastings reminds us that ordinary people, living ordinary lives, can homeschool. Indeed, can provide a learning atmosphere for children surrounded by ideas and learning and growth, even in the midst of financial and other concerns.

The intimate details of Hastings life are strangely reassuring – we see that others have “good" days and “could be better” days; we see the importance of free time and exploration in the growth of children; we see the individual differences between siblings and how unschooling can address these differences.

Most of all, the book is about trust. Trusting children to learn. Trusting ourselves as parents and as mothers – our intuition and our personalities are important in our homeschooling adventure. And, for Hastings , the importance of trust in God – she quotes Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” 

Hastings discusses her research into homeschooling and the resultant belief that it important to pay attention to not only a child's individual learning style but to his/her timetable for growth. She incorporates activities into a daily “table-time”, where she and the boys work on reading, writing, and mathematics. The children are fee to choose the aspect of these skills that they may wish to tackle that day, and to accomplish such work in ways that make sense to them, and at their individual pace.

In addition to table-time, the family works together on chores and then the bulk of the day is free – typically her children choose to attend homeschool activities, to play sport, to play with friends, watch television, play computer games….

Doesn't this describe the homeschool day of many families? Even in our differences there are similarities and this theme of familiar companionship along the journey of homeschooling/unschooling makes the book an easy and enjoyable read.

I left it in the book box by my bed and read a bit here and there – the book is easy to pick up, read and digest; it made me smile in parts, grimace in others and wryly commiserate at some points.

Upon finishing the book, I felt sadness at parting with Hastings and her family – the sharing of their life throughout a year of homeschooling made them seem like friends. I also felt renewed and refreshed as I continue my own homeschooling trail. This book is a good companion for the trail." Leonie Westenberg © 2007

"What I sometimes find in the home schooling community is a false projection of perfection that makes me discouraged. I love the way Michele tells it like it is—walking me through her days and sharing with me her passion for home schooling. Her delight-centered learning approach offers me freedom to do home school in a more laid-back, child-centered way." Paula Moldenhauer, http://www.soulscents.us/author.htm

What's in this book? Contents...

It Takes Faith
A Journey Toward Identity
Up and Down the Homeschool Road
What Is Education?
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Roses Amongst the Thorns
Holding Onto What Is Precious
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
Being ‘Real’
Healing A Faith Full of Holes
A Balancing Act
What Is Important?
The Road Ahead About The Author

About Michele Hasting

Michele's first published piece was an essay along with a few quotes in Christian Unschooling: Growing Your Children in the Freedom of Christ by Teri Brown and Elissa Wahl. She then began a column on a website called Themestream, followed by regular items in the Christ Centered Unschoolers forum. Articles by Michele appear on the following sites:

• The Link
• Teach at Home
• Homeschooling Boys
• Planet Vineyard
• Dragonfly Ministries
• Home Education Magazine
• Life Learning Magazine
• The Old Schoolhouse
• Homeschooling Horizons Magazine
  

Learning In The Absence of Education
Essays on Home Schooling

Beverley Paine

ISBN 1876651016, 1999
Paperback, 128 pages, glossy paperback, 210mm x 290mm,
illustrated with black and white
photographs and drawings.

AUS$22.95

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More than 60 essays covering a wide range of home schooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing.

An intimate and honest look at day-to-day homeschooling life spanning several years. Includes articles on learning maths, reading and writing, spelling, socialisation, part time schooling, fathers and homeschooling, value of play, grading and testing, coping with stress and illness, and much more.

What readers think...

Write a review and share your thoughts with other homeschooling families.

"I really like Learning in the Absence of Education. It's so real. Discussing your life and feelings so honestly made me realise i'm not the only one.  I particularly liked 'The Ups and Downs of Home Educaton' and 'Why Home School'. Thanks for writing this book. " Anne-Marie

"Easy to read, with valuable insights and tested experiences. Great for someone like me who wants to know the mechanics and others' experiences before deciding to dive in."
Carolyn

"As soon as received your book 'Learning in the Absence of Education' I dropped everything and read it. I really enjoyed reading it and I am inspired to go on, finally with a more positive, less dominating and controlling homeschooling style... I am writing TRUST, FAITH and PATIENCE in big letters on my wall and starting again. I have wonderful kids and I am going to them shine, in their own way, in their own time. I appreciate being able to share these experiences with you, and thanks to your book and others like it, I know we'll get there." 
Deanne, homeschooling mum

"Learning in the Absence of Education is sending ripples through the international community of young families I am connected with here in
India who are looking into alternative means of education for their kids (the school system here in India is far more frightening than in Australia!) especially some friends here from Israel, Switzerland and Germany, we are meeting regularly to discuss yours and John Holt's writing. I will have to order some more of your books soon to share with them!"
Anna Jahns, India

"Thank you for putting down in words your journey with homeschooling. All your 'ups and downs of education' are very well written, I like remembering/going over these things which reinforce why we home educate... your book has certainly given me food for thought!"
Karen Collins

"I had the pleasure of reading your book "Learning in The Absence". I really loved it and it gave me some great ideas and lots of confidence. I still have my moments of "oh my god can I really do this!!" but I guess that helps me to keep on researching and learning about learning. I found your book so honest and the love you have for your family radiates throughout. Thank you for sharing what has made my experience easier."
Davina Sayed

"These essays are the real life experiences of a long term home educator and activist and make inspiring reading. I really enjoy Beverley's writing style in this book. It is very direct, sometimes even challenging the reader. She tries to be scrupulously honest always so we read of advantages and disadvantages of whatever topic she is discussing. She will also point out the ideal situation and how she thinks she falls short. Sometimes she is self-deprecating; sometimes she glows with enthusiasm for their successful lifestyle. There are touches of humour and sometimes wry cynicism.
Hopefully this book will answer many people's questions and fears about natural learning. It is all in here: how right it feels when natural learning is working well, what happens when we have insecurities ourselves, and the results so far. By presenting the natural learning case in this essay style, Beverley has been able to reflect the different moods, the ups and downs, that make the book a valuable resource for all those interested in home education, whatever their current style."
Janine Banks

What's in this book? Contents...

• Introduction
• Reasons, Characteristics and Outcomes of Home Education
• Why Home Education
• Values
• A Day in the Life of A Child ‘Damaged’ by the Modern World
• On Doing Nothing...
• Conversation is Learning Too!
• Learning Maths Conversationally
• Seriously Questioning the Importance of Reading
• Movies As Curriculum
• Worrying About Writing
• Ideas for Helping Children With Writing
• Thoughts on Spelling
• What is all the Fuss about Reading (Fiction) Anyway!
• "Is Thomas Reading Yet?"
• Worrying About Late Readers
• Computers and Home Education
• Setting Up ‘School’ At Home
• Finding Time
• Better Than Average
• Thoughts on Educational Experience
• Natural Learning Defined
• Practical Tips for Natural Learning
• Learning At Our Place - August 1997
• Home is Where Learning Happens
• A Day at Home with the Paines
• Home is Where Our Learning Happens
• A Week With Thomas
• Dads and Home Education
• Robin and Home Education
• Fathers in the Home School
• Reflecting on Home Education
• Dispelling A Myth - ‘Practice Makes Perfect’
• Girls In Education
• Home Learning Schools?
• Time Spent at an Alternative School
• Should I Give Grades?
• Thoughts on Testing
• Profile on a Teenage Homeschooler
• The Role Diet Plays
• The Grass Is Always Greener
• Patience!
• Children Learning At Home The Permaculture Way!
• A Radical Educational Alternative
• Homeschooled Kids Are Children Too...
• Rites of Passage?
• The Ups and Downs
• Addressing the Problem Of Labeling - Learning Disabled
• A Lego Curriculum
• The Value of Play - Lego!
• The Human Inclination to Mischief!
• The Gobble Guts Pizza Game
• Learning the Times Tables
• More on Learning Times Tables
• To Teach or Not To Teach!
• Being On Call
• Socialisation or Social Development
• Problems with the "Learning Must Be Fun" Approach...
• Flexi School
• Life After Home Education
• Socialisation
• Home Education Continuity
• Recommended Reading

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please email for details.

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Home education is a legal alternative to school education in Australia. State governments are responsible for regulating home education. Different states have different requirements, however homeschooling families are able to develop curriculum and learning programs to suit the individual needs of their children. For more information:
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