#181 How Unschoolers Learn the Basics Without Curriculum: Unschooling the 3Rs
Text Sue what you think!“I love unschooling — but I want my kids to know the basics first.” Sound familiar?If you're worried how your kids will learn those 3Rs — reading, writing, and math — especially if you choose to unschool, Sue Patterson will help you see how unschooling works WITHOUT wasting money on curriculum! Unschooling basics unfold naturally through everyday life — cooking, gaming, texting, problem-solving, and pursuing hobbies. Instead of relying on worksheets or pre-set classes, unschoolers build real skills through self-directed learning. Reading, writing, and math become meaningful when connected to real-world experiences. This podcast can help you reframe what what you're seeing!We’ll talk about:How unschoolers learn to read and write without formal lessonsWhy everyday life provides endless opportunities for unschooling mathHow unschooling develops critical thinking, communication, and life skillsWhy unschooling covers “the basics” more deeply than traditional curriculum ever couldAnd even how insisting on “basics first” can unintentionally gatekeep curiosity and delay growth.Whether you’re just starting your unschooling journey or you’re worried your child isn’t “academically ready” to self-direct, this episode will reassure you!Unschoolers don't ignore The Basics — they reframe the starting point AND the path to get there.Resources to dive deeper: • Free PDF: A guide to reframing the basics for today’s worldhttps://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/07851be0ac • Reading, Writing & Math Guides (bundle available)Tune in to see how unschooling can trust the fundamentals and let curiosity lead.Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
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Strewing: Sparking Curiosity and Learning - without a lesson plan in sight!
Text Sue what you think!Say goodbye to “Am I doing enough?” panic and hello to everyday learning that feels light, doable, and fun!https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars___________________________________This time of year, many parents feel the pressure to come up with a “plan” that keeps kids engaged without burning anyone out. If rigid schedules or expensive curriculum sets don’t fit your family, there’s another way: strewing.In this episode, I’ll introduce you to the Strewing Calendar—a simple, flexible tool designed for unschoolers and homeschoolers who want a little structure without the stress. You’ll get answers to common questions: ✨ What is strewing? How can I make it work?✨ Could a light framework support learning without becoming rigid? (yes!)✨ How do families inspire connection, creativity, & learning?✨ I need help logging learning for progress reports - without turning unschooling into school-at-home!Whether your kids chase endless interests or you just need quick, low-prep ideas, strewing helps you turn ordinary days into meaningful learning—without lesson plans.👉 See the Strewing Calendar here: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars(less than $5/month! Other options available!)Strewing keeps curiosity alive, gives you confidence, and makes learning fun again.Transcript: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/how-to-spark-curiosity-without-lesson-plansSupport the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
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School “Lessons” Fueling Your Parenting Doubts?
Text Sue what you think!School taught us lessons we didn’t even realize we were absorbing—and they’re still messing with us today.Most of us didn’t realize it while we were sitting in classrooms—but school was teaching us a lot more than math and grammar. It was shaping how we see ourselves, how we parent, and even how we value creativity and curiosity.In this episode, we’re digging into 3 hidden “lessons” school taught us that still show up in our lives every day:Follow directions. Don’t ask questions.Creativity only counts if it looks like everyone else’s.If you don’t fit the mold, you’re the problem.These aren’t just school rules—they’re a kind of brainwashing we carry long after graduation. You may not even realize how much this is creeping into your parenting—but it’s probably at the heart of why you’re doubting yourself so much.Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
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#178 - What If Learning Isn’t Linear? Trusting the Spiral in Unschooling
Text Sue what you think!Do you ever wonder if your child is learning "enough"? Or worry that they’ve missed something important?Let's explore how learning actually unfolds—through spirals, not straight lines.Instead of a rigid, step-by-step sequence, unschoolers learn by revisiting ideas over time, layering understanding, and making meaningful connections when they’re ready. This spiral approach to learning naturally fills in what schools call “gaps”—without forcing, pressuring, or sticking to arbitrary timelines.You'll learn: 🌀 Why unschooling doesn’t follow a linear path—and why that’s a good thing 🌱 How natural curiosity leads to deeper, more lasting learning 📚 What it looks like when kids circle back to topics on their own terms 🌻 How spirals show up in nature—and what they teach us about growth and learning 💬 How to reframe those “behind” worries and trust your child’s unique rhythmIf you’ve ever googled: 🔍 “How do unschoolers catch up?” 🔍 “What if my child misses something important?” 🔍 “How does learning happen without a plan?” 🔍 “Can kids really learn without school?”—this conversation is for you.✨ Learning doesn’t follow a checklist. ✨ There are no missed windows. ✨ Growth is happening—even if it’s quiet, slow, or spiraling.Come take a breath and lean into the spiral._________________________________See the graphic for how Spiral Learning Works: https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/learning-isn-t-linear-it-spiralsSupport the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
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#177 - Thousands of Unschooling Families Later...
Text Sue what you think!When we started Unschooling Mom2Mom back in 2014, I had no idea it would grow into a space that would support thousands of families across the world—but 11 years later, here we are. 💛🎉 Happy Anniversary to all of us!Unschooling Mom2Mom has stood the test of time. 🌻Because even though the online landscape is always changing, certain truths about unschooling still hold up—year after year, family after family.If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:🌀 “Am I doing this right?” 🌀 “Is this even working?” 🌀 “Why does everyone else seem so confident?” ...this community is for you.So much of this journey is easier when you know you’re not the only one. Finding community can be a game changer for decreasing your doubt and growing your confidence.Have you found unschoolers to brainstorm with? Has Unschooling Mom2Mom helped you? Let me know in the comments.___________DON'T MISS THIS!______________If you want hand-holding through this (often stressful) season, join the Not Back to School 30-Day Reset. The 2025 Cohort starts together on August 11th.But you can get an Early Bird discount AND a ton of Bonus resources if you hop on this before July is over! August 1st is on FRIDAY - I know, crazy - but don't miss out!https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/NBTS-2025Support the show_____________________________________________________As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family! You don't have to do this alone!Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourcesLike what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee? Now you can! Buy Me a Coffee Creating Confidence Membership Group Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link! UNSCHOOLING 101 Course Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course Unschooling Transcript Course Seasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
The Unschooling Mom2Mom podcast is a quick conversation with Sue Patterson, coach, author, and mother of 3 grown unschoolers. Sue shares inspiration and tips to help you find the unschooling confidence you're looking for! Even if you’re more of a “homeschooler” than an “unschooler,” these 10 minute(ish) podcasts can help you find more joy in parenting, educating and connecting with your children!
New Zealand