Brainstorming Instead of Lesson Plans

Start with Their Interests

So, starting with interests.

What do they like to do?

What’s a good time of day to do them?

One of the things we do in my membership group is just look at one week at a time. We can get really overwhelmed  - and incredibly fearful when we are trying to envision how this can work way down the road. Don’t dwell there. Stay with this week.

And move toward Brainstorming with them.

Replace Curriculum Time with Brainstorming Time!

You can replace your Curriculum Time with Brainstorm time!

Kids don't know all the options that are available to them.
That's why those "What do you want to do today?" questions meet with shrugs and "I don't know." responses.

Unschooling invites you to shift your focus to Real Life and away from lesson plans and curricula!

And, if we're completely honest, sometimes WE as the parents aren't sure what all is out there! 😬

And, we’ve heard a lot about “Child-led” or “Kid-driven” - so it kind of lets us off the hook.

The kids are supposed to tell us what they want to do, right? 
I’m doing another podcast on how that concept of unschooling being child-led, has caused many a well-intentioned parent to throw in the unschooling towel! So be sure to subscribe to the podcast - and my Unschooling Updates Email list to get notified when that comes out! I know a lot of you need a little help with this “Child-led” concept!

Kids  WILL need some help from us. Not only do we find it a little hard to see what else is out there - it’s way harder for them with their limited life experiences! 

Become Explorers Together

That’s why ee have to move more into Explorer Mode ourselves. And we can model this for them.

We don’t have to set ourselves up as having all the answers. Heck, we don’t even know all the questions! And life is full of so much more than One Right Aswer.

That works on a standardized test - but what in life is really like a standardized test?

And, also, this is why strewing works. We find things and "strew" the kids' paths with interesting ideas. If strewing is new to you, I'll leave some links to help you. Podcast #49 is all about Strewing, so you can go to that next if you need to.

This is all about making some plans together. 

Brainstorming ideas WITH the kids gives you more of a chance it will be successful.

And why? BECAUSE YOU ASKED THEIR OPINION!

You got them to engage in a way where they feel heard. 
And this is the opportunity to help them see what's out there and actually figure out what their opinion is.

One of the key points is leaving room for anyone/everyone to say, "No, thanks." 

Kids who aren't crazy about the outdoors, may want to brainstorm with you about cooking or movies.

Seasons may be a factor too - think about what time of year would a particular activity be the most fun (or the worst time to try it!)

And remember, Every year our kids grow and mature. Their interests change.
So you may want to brainstorm with them a few times a year.

​Unschooling parents approach all of this with curiosity!

• What would be fun to try?
• What's a way the family can connect?
• What resources do we need to find to make this work?

You can also help them see that they don’t have to LOVE the idea of something to give it a try. Some kids are really hesitant because they think they’ll get stuck there. Give them some options for how to end it early if they hate it. Or maybe you have to spend more time building trust back with them. 

If this all sounds good but you’re needing a little help YOURSELF about what else is out there, I have a Brainstorming Guide that can walk you through how to get going with this. Lots of unschoolers use this as their annual Planner!

What kinds of things are we going to fill our lives up with - at home or out in the community?
It helps you be more intentional about how you’re going to spend time together. 

Some families have printed it out and the whole family started filling out the prompts over several sittings. All of this brainstorming will help you learn more about your kids and what they’re leaning toward or away from.

So this Brainstorming Guide will help scratch that itch, if you’re a planner and want to know what some next steps could be!

All right...so that’s my message this week - brainstorming with the kids about things to do - trying out hobbies, seeing what’s out there. This is what you do instead of focusing on subjects and curriculum. Make a plan, then implement it one week at a time.
This will give you the chance to modify it as you go - based on weather, other activities that are on the calendar, how everyone feels...all those things that are Real Factors.

And that’s where I want us to stay...firmly basing our expectations on Reality.
I think this is  a good plan to do that!