Unboxing Curiosity – Our Unschooling Journey Begins Soon [Guess our 1st Proejct]??

I have a confession to make—I’m scared. Excited, but scared.

We have decided to unschool Nived, my 10-year-old, and let curiosity be his curriculum. Not the structured, pre-planned kind, but the raw, untamed, let’s-get-our-hands-dirty kind. The kind that doesn’t come from textbooks but from unboxing the world—one project, one question, one adventure at a time.

Our first stop? Woodworking. There’s something magical about shaping a raw piece of wood into something real, useful, and beautiful. It’s a hands-on lesson in patience, problem-solving, and creativity. But beyond that, it’s about letting Nived take the lead, follow his interests, and build something—literally and metaphorically—with his own hands.

Am I nervous about this? Absolutely. There’s no set curriculum, no "right way" to do it. The uncertainty of where this path leads is daunting. But here’s what I do know:

? Curiosity, when nurtured, creates lifelong learners. ? Real-world experiences shape character more than rote learning ever could. ? This journey will make Nived a better thinker, a better doer, and most importantly, a better person.

Is Unschooling or Homeschooling Right for You?

I know this path isn’t for everyone, and many parents wonder if they should take a similar leap. If you’re curious about unschooling or homeschooling, here’s a 5-step process to help you evaluate if it’s the right fit for you and your child:

1. Define Your "Why"

Before diving in, ask yourself:

• What do I want my child to gain from education?
• Do I value structured learning or self-directed exploration?
• Is my goal academic success, life skills, or personal development?

If your answer leans toward freedom, creativity, and child-led learning, unschooling might be a great fit. If you prefer a structured yet flexible approach, homeschooling could be a better option.

2. Observe Your Child’s Natural Learning Style

• Does your child thrive on self-directed projects?
• Are they more engaged when learning hands-on rather than through textbooks?
• Do they ask a lot of "why" questions and love to explore?

If your child is naturally curious and learns best through experiences, unschooling can be an enriching journey. If they prefer guided learning but struggle in traditional school, homeschooling might be a great alternative.

3. Assess Your Readiness

Unschooling requires trust—trust in your child’s ability to learn and in yourself to guide without controlling. Ask yourself:

• Am I comfortable with an open-ended approach to education?
• Can I provide opportunities for real-world learning?
• Do I have the patience to let my child explore at their own pace?

If the thought of learning alongside your child excites you more than following a rigid curriculum, unschooling might be for you.

4. Consider the Practical Aspects

Homeschooling and unschooling require commitment. Think about:

• Time – Do you have the time to facilitate learning?
• Resources – Can you provide a stimulating learning environment?
• Legalities – What are the homeschooling laws in your area?

While unschooling doesn’t require a formal curriculum, it does require an engaged and resourceful approach to creating meaningful learning experiences.

5. Start Small & Experiment

Before making a full transition, try:

• A "learning break" where your child explores their own interests for a few weeks.
• Incorporating more project-based learning (like our woodworking experiment).
• Giving your child more say in what they want to learn and observe how they respond.

You don’t have to go all in overnight. Experiment, reflect, and adjust.

Join the Conversation!

I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a deep belief that curiosity is the best curriculum. If you’ve explored unschooling, homeschooling, or alternative education, I’d love to hear from you!

What has worked for you? What projects, ideas, or approaches do you recommend?

Hit reply and share your thoughts. Let’s co-create an education that’s built on wonder, not worksheets. ?

Looking forward to learning from you as much as Nived is learning from life.

With curiosity, JJ