Unschool Explorations: Dogs

Children will increase their skills as child self-directed learners through focusing on a passion for research, discussion, and activities around dogs.

I'm offering this class as a way to show homeschool and school families that child self-directed learning is a rich way for children to not only take responsibility for their learning in an area of interest but, to show that students are capable of taking responsibility for their learning.  When young people are given the right coaching and resources for learning independently, amazing results can occur. This is all done without a set curriculum or lecture - none of the usual K12 education stuff that can cause learners eyes and minds to glaze over. Instead, the learners help direct our study of dogs in this learning experience.

It's suggested that learners come to class prepared to share their latest interests regarding dogs. This can be a project (art, craft, photograph, video, etc.), demonstration with a pet dog, or even a story about their experiences with dogs.

I will give each student immediate feedback when they share or present their learnings about dogs to the class.

1 hour per week in class, and an estimated 1 - 2 hours per week outside of class.

We will use Wikipedia and YouTube links in the classroom for our research about dogs.