A Family Journey to Learning on the Road
Embracing the Unschooling Adventure
Hello! I'm Elizabeth, a mother of three, married to Justin, residing in beautiful South Wiltshire, UK. Join me as I explore the joys of slow, seasonal living and share my personal motherhood journey, unschooling lifestyle and insights into building a forest school and self directed learning community.
Subscribe now to receive my twice weekly offerings direct to your inbox.
Dear friends,
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible adventures that unschooling has taken our family on. Our home education journey has been anything but conventional, and one of the most enriching aspects has been our commitment to family adventures that transcend the boundaries of traditional classrooms, weaving memories that last a lifetime and strengthening the bonds that tie us together.
Each new year, our family eagerly gathers around the table, armed with maps, notebooks, and dreams. Planning our unschooling adventures is a collaborative effort, where everyone's interests and curiosities find a place on the itinerary. Whether it's a historical site, a national park, or a cultural event, we weave our learning opportunities into the fabric of our travels. This process not only sparks excitement but also instils a sense of responsibility as everyone plays a role in shaping our educational path.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to forget the importance of carving out time for the things that truly matter. We've made it a tradition to block out time at the beginning of each year, dedicating weeks or even months to our family adventures. These blocks of time are not just about escaping routine but about embracing the limitless potential that experiential learning brings. The open road becomes our classroom, and the world around us transforms into a living textbook. Maths lessons unfold in the geometry of architecture, history comes alive in the stories of ancient civilizations, and science is discovered in the wonders of nature. Unschooling on the road isn't about textbooks and assignments; it's about cultivating a love for learning through first hand experiences.
The rewards of our unconventional approach to education are boundless. Our children are not just learning facts; they're developing resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for diversity. The world becomes their canvas, and every adventure paints a stroke. Travel fosters a sense of curiosity, sparking questions that lead to meaningful discoveries for each of us.
In the tapestry of our unschooling adventure, the threads of memories are woven with laughter, exploration, and shared experiences. These are not just fleeting moments; they are the building blocks of a unique family culture. As we look back on our journeys, we see not only the places we've been but also the growth, connection, and joy that have shaped us as individuals and as a family.
Perhaps the most profound gift of our unschooling adventure is the unbreakable bond we share as a family. The challenges we face on the road are opportunities to support one another, to grow together, and to celebrate our triumphs as a team. The strength forged through shared experiences becomes the foundation upon which our family stands tall.
As we embark on this new year of unschooling adventures, remember that the journey is not confined to the road. In unschooling every day presents an opportunity to infuse a sense of wonder and exploration into your home education. Let curiosity be your guide, and may the spirit of adventure light the path to a year filled with joyful learning and family connections.
With that in mind, here are five simple ways to sprinkle a touch of adventure into your home education—no grand plans or passports required:
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town: Adventure doesn't always require a passport. Turn your hometown into a treasure trove of learning opportunities. Explore local museums, parks, and historical sites. Embark on nature walks, visit local businesses, and engage with community events. You'll be surprised at how much learning and excitement await just beyond your doorstep.
Culinary Expeditions: Transform your kitchen into a culinary classroom and embark on a journey around the world through food. Choose a new country or region, research it’s cuisine, and create meals together as a family. This delicious adventure not only introduces diverse flavours but also provides insights into geography, history, and cultural traditions.
Virtual Tours: The world is at your fingertips with virtual resources. Take advantage of online platforms offering virtual tours of museums, historical landmarks, and scientific institutions.
Back Garden Camping: Set up a tent, roll out sleeping bags, and enjoy an evening under the stars. Prepare a simple campfire meal or cook marshmallows for s'mores. Use the time to share stories, play games, and stargaze.
Mystery Treasure Hunt: Design a treasure hunt that takes your family on an adventure around your house or local park. Create clues that lead from one location to the next, with a surprise waiting at the end, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving. You can also buy pre-prepared treasure hunts via Treasure Trails which a great way to explore a new town or city.
So, here's to another year of unschooling adventures, of learning on the road, and of creating a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. Share your adventures, inspire others, and let the joy of learning be the compass that guides your family's educational journey.
With boundless curiosity,
"Turn your hometown into a treasure trove of learning opportunities." This has been our objective lately. We moved to a charming, little town in NW Arkansas a few months ago (our 8th state, so far) where there seems to be endless trails for hiking, all accessible from our home. Previously, we always got in the car to do little day trips (which is also great) but what we've learned is, for every single walk we take here, we see something we hadn't seen before. Last week, for example, we came across Sam Walton's shockingly humble grave, which is interesting, because he was one of the wealthiest people in the world (perhaps THE wealthiest at the time). Anyway, led to a great discussion with my son, and prompted me to reserve his biography at the library. Thanks for your post. Great pictures and prose!
Yes to adventures! 🙌
I love that unschooling grants us the freedom to travel any day of the year (avoiding peak pricing and crowds!) As our kids grow we plan to slowly increase our travelling radius. In this season we are blissfully content to explore our own region and take small local holidays, while also looking forward and dreaming of seeing more of our beautiful country together and beyond.
What a gift to give our children - a childhood laced with adventures, big and small 🥰