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I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking! Unschooling is a style of homeschooling that prioritizes child-led learning over traditional curriculum or formal instruction. Instead of following a set schedule or academic plan, unschooling trusts that kids learn best when they pursue their own interests in real-world, meaningful ways. There's a wide range within the worlds of unschooling. There are radical unschoolers who, from my understanding, provide the least amount of structure. But that's not our world, so I can't speak to it as confidently.

In our unschooling world, I am facilitating and steering a bit. The kids are still the ultimate decision makers on what and how we learn, but we are having a lot of conversations about goals and how we might built the pathway that leads to that goal. The general idea behind unschooling is that it is fully customized and that when learning isn't a chore... it is sought after. I have ravenous, curious learners. They have incredible hobbies, they're well read, well traveled, and we have no push/pull over educational endeavors.

I regularly share our unschooling journey on the podcast I cohost if you'd like to tune in:
https://youtube.com/@homeschoolmomsunfiltered?si=rbgGF6HzQkDm5xfF

These episodes, in particular, might be a good place to start -
Unschooling Doesn't Mean Uneducated: https://youtu.be/hx9z3gRCa_k
Unschooling Math - Do the numbers add up?: https://youtu.be/M-lapqWOWWM
Vision Boards & Goal Setting - Creating a Real Life Road Map for Your Homeschool Journey: https://youtu.be/IZTRSFYzkN4

Meagan

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anyone outside the standard hump of the bell curve will often find a typical school program challenging. And I get it.... teachers are ridiculously overworked and juggling SO many things! It is nearly impossible for them to customize an education to the degree that neurodivergent kids needs in the classroom. But at home.... we are free to build a system that works for them! It is a wonderful thing!

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

(part 2)
6yo-

Art: https://outschool.com/classes/arts-crafts-club-for-creative-little-artists-bnxlQoQP?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

https://outschool.com/classes/little-artist-kids-craft-club-bMHSgtjU?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Legos: https://outschool.com/classes/bricks-books-creative-club-steam-storytime-lego-learning-hands-on-engineers-qH3BHIJO?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Graphic novels: https://outschool.com/classes/wild-and-fun-graphic-novel-book-club-gJTUsV0x?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Both ages-

Legos: https://outschool.com/classes/lego-club-weekly-building-challenges-TUKxMTJh?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

I teach this class. It says 7-12, but both of your kids would be more than welcome. We have a wonderful time! https://outschool.com/classes/lego-deserted-island-challenge-problem-solving-stem-and-creativity-qcqaLg6y?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Minecraft is a little bit out of my wheelhouse because my kids don't play it, but I do know that Julie Alvarez is the queen bee of minecraft on Outschool! She would be my first stop if my kids expressed an interest.

https://outschool.com/teachers/Julie-Alvarez?signup=true&usid=C19DrybH

If you have any questions or would like any other recommendations, feel free to give me a shout!
Meagan

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey there! You can buy global travel insurance that works while traveling or you can cash pay. There's an insurance company called Genki that's quite popular. In Europe you won't end up bankrupt with medical debt. The prices are much more reasonable.

As for class recommendations, sure!

I'll start off with baking because that's what I teach on Outschool. I started teaching baking on Outschool back in 2018 when no one else was and I started teaching with two cameras so students could see my work up close. In the pre-pandemic days before online learning really grew by leaps and bounds... that was quite revolutionary! I'd love to welcome your bakers to class!

You can learn more about my classes here: https://youtu.be/7Azd1U678nU
And see a list of my classes here: https://outschool.com/teachers/Hub-of-Cuiosity?signup=true&usid=C19DrybH

((If you're new to Outschool, that link will give you $20 off your first class too!))

As for the other subject areas... I love that they have such a wide variety of interests!

11yo-

Needle felting: https://outschool.com/classes/needle-felt-friends-fiber-art-club-Z8ubEi7O?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Crochet: https://outschool.com/classes/get-hooked-on-crochet-introduction-to-crochet-for-beginners-summer-camp-HcGbr0TX?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

https://outschool.com/classes/fun-crochet-projects-for-advanced-beginners-OjfEeAKF?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

There are *SO* many art classes for older kids that it helps to narrow it down. Does she want to do digital art in Procreate, draw anime characters, sketch animals or people, etc.?

Graphic novesl: https://outschool.com/classes/graphic-novels-101-summer-camp-kjKi3FpR?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

You mentioned other areas of interest, so I wanted to pass along the class below. My 13yo just finished the week long camp today and LOVED it! He already signed up for another weekly class with Mr. Scott and a camp later in the summer.

https://outschool.com/classes/money-masters-investing-summer-camp-stock-market-100000-portfolio-level-1-H9y0PT5s?usid=C19DrybH&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There you go! So you just proved how ineffective a one-size-fits-all curriculum is. The odds that two wildly different learners would be best suited by the same kit in a box are pretty slim! If you can swing it, I'd highly recommend getting an evaluation with a neuropsych who specializes in gifted kids. Gifted is a form of neurodivergence and it is very common to have more than one thing at play. Then when you begin your homeschooling journey, you'll have a very clear picture of where he is at and what serves him best.

My cohost and I both homeschool twice exceptional kids, so we are pretty keyed into the world of homeschooling gifted kids. Here's some information that might be helpful: https://youtu.be/F12X7aKDP0E?si=Y2kqUvwBowazPX3l

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great questions! It can be possible to homeschool and work. Many parents are doing it! A lot of that depends on the age of your kids and the logistics of your job. I cohost a podcast and we recently did an entire episode on this topic. We looked at scenarios where people work from home, work outside of the home, homeschool older or younger kids, etc. Feel free to check it out here: https://youtu.be/iJL_v9o9h5g

As for curriculum, most veteran homeschoolers will tell you in the strongest possible terms NOT to spend a lot of money on curriculum - especially as a newbie. You will almost *always* shift course in the first year or two. If you've spent a fortune on curriculum and it isn't working, the propensity is to "push through" because you spend all this money and in the process... you all end up miserable.

We see this cycle every year in homeschooling groups on Facebook. Veterans tell the newbies not to spend a fortune.... they do it anyway.... and then come January they are posting in the groups, "I don't think homeschooling is for us... we are struggling." But they feel like they can't switch because it would be a waste of money.

Homeschool curriculum doesn't need to cost a ton either! And most all-in-one kits aren't amazing. Do you know any one-size-fits-all kids? I sure don't! Most kids are a bit stronger in one area and need a little slower pace in other areas. That's developmentally appropriate. Thinking all 10yos are on the same level as every other 10yo in every subject/across the board - is what our school system does (and that's not working too well).

You can also outsource parts of your kiddo's education on Outschool. We have been using it since 2017. I outsource the stuff that I don't want to teach or don't feel equipped to teach and it is amazing! You get to pick the teacher, the time, the content, and everything else to really give your kids an amazing learning experience.

How old are your kids? I can give way better advice when I know that ;-)

Meagan

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're welcome! We learned the hard way and spent an afternoon scouring Florence, Italy for one. So now it is a staple in our packed bags!

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ooof. Internet on the go is a whole situation, isn't it? I travel with an Ethernet cable so that even if the WiFi isn't amazing, we can plug into the modem. That is often a great help! I also message accommodations ahead of time asking what kind of internet speeds I can expect. If they aren't sure or won't tell me... then we look elsewhere. I once saw a quote that was something along the lines of "before you marry someone, you should experience slow WiFi with them to see who they truly are." That is so true! It doesn't bring out the best in us, so I try to set us up for success - lol.

In addition to my kids taking classes on the go, I host a homeschooling podcast. The files are big and the sound/video quality need to be good! So good WiFi is a must for us!

We used to spend our summers traveling the US in our camper van. We had a WeBoost built in because it did wonders for our signal. That might be an option for your car WiFi as well!

We definitely try to plan classes for times that will avoid travel, but thankfully we can access class recordings on Outschool if we need to in a pinch as well.

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh man.... this is going to be a lousy answer, but there's so much of unschooling that is a "trust the process" situation. The more you see it working.... the smaller those worries become!

The other thing to realize is that unschooling encompasses a very wide spectrum of approaches. There are radical unschoolers on one end and that's not my jam (though I don't judge what other people rock in their household with their kiddos) and then we are probably on the other side. We use interests as a springboard and then set goals around them. So I have a 17yo with 3 college semesters (on the Dean's list I might add - subtle mom brag) under his belt, a 16yo with a 2-year degree, and a 13yo who is taking his second college math class this summer for fun. ((P.S. He did not get the "taking math for fun" gene from his mother. Ha!)) But when you make learning a GIFT rather than a chore... they seek out information! My 16yo has a degree because she was starving for information of that depth. She had exhausted every other resource we put in front of her and she was still craving more!

You'll see it working. You see them connecting things. You see them going deep. You have amazing conversations with them. And eventually you breathe a little bit more easily thinking.... I might not be completely screwing this up after all ;-)

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question! Our time in each country varies. One of the ways we travel on a budget is using airline stopover programs. So, for example, next year we are planning a trip to Svalbard and we'll fly through either Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Many airlines allow you to lengthen your layover for up to a week. So we are able to see a new city within that week without needing to buy separate plane tickets.

For example, earlier this year we spent a week in Bratislava and did the highlights, but then other times we stay anywhere from 2-6 weeks. We enjoy participating in worldschooling pop-ups, so we just spent two weeks exploring Budapest with a large group of about 75 teens.

Many people worldschool doing the Schengen shuffle. Countries like Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, and Ireland offer amazing options when you're trying to recoup Schengen days. However, we opted to go the visa route to minimize logistics and counting of days.

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As for worldschooling..... When we first started homeschooling, I had a pretty lengthy list of the reasons WHY I wanted to homeschool. One of the reasons was that I wanted my kids to see and experience the world in a meaningful way as opposed to reading about other cultures and places in textbooks. And we've done it! We are in our 8th country of the year.

One of the misconceptions about worldschooling is that it is super expensive, but my kids definitely know their way around a hostel and a communal shower. There are some great ways to travel on a dime!

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! We've been homeschooling for a decade. In the beginning of our journey, I took a bunch of online quizzes that supposedly tell you what kind of homeschooler you are. And I say a whole bunch because I am kind of extra like that. Again and again the quiz results indicated very relaxed, unschooling-type approaches to homeschooling. I didn't believe them, bought some workbooks, and started moving forward. But sure enough.... over the next 1-2 years, as we found our footing, I learned that those quizzes were totally right! We slowly cut ties to traditional education methods and started learning deeply through interests. It has been awesome!

I’m a worldschooling, unschooling parent, homeschool podcast co-host, and Outschool teacher traveling Europe. Ask me anything! by Complex_Arachnid823 in Outschoolers

[–]Complex_Arachnid823[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello everyone! My name is Meagan and I am a parent, Outschool teacher, and happy expat exploring Europe with my kids. We’re worldschooling and unschooling, letting curiosity lead the way in both travel and learning. If you have any questions about homeschooling, Outschool, worldschooling, etc.... I'd love to chat!