S2E4 | Unschooling: Trusting the Process and Letting Go of Control

The Ladies Fixing the World

Traditional education is built on judgment—constantly measuring children’s progress against rigid standards. Unschooling offers a different path, one that values curiosity over evaluation. In this episode, Cecilie Conrad, Sue Elvis, and Sandra Dodd discuss why letting go of expectations leads to deeper, more natural learning.

Reading becomes a key theme, as they challenge the idea that children must read by a certain age. Cecilie shares how her son resisted reading until fourteen, only to become an avid reader once the pressure was gone. Sandra and Sue add their own stories, showing how literacy develops when children are given space and trust.

Repetition in learning also comes up—whether it’s rewatching movies, rereading books, or replaying games. What looks like stagnation is often mastery in progress. The conversation extends to Shakespeare, storytelling, and the power of learning through real experiences rather than forced instruction.

Unschooling isn’t about avoiding education—it’s about trusting that learning happens everywhere. This episode is a reminder that children thrive when given the freedom to explore life on their own terms.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Sandra Dodd’s Website: SandraDodd.com – Explore Sandra’s favorite unschooling definitions and in-depth discussions.
• Sue Elvis’ Blog: Stories of an Unschooling Family – Practical advice and insights into Sue’s unschooling journey.
• Cecilie Conrad’s Website: CecilieConrad.com – Learn about Cecilie’s experiences with unschooling, worldschooling, and a life of freedom and curiosity.

🗓️ Recorded December 16, 2024. 📍 Whityham, United Kingdom

Support the show

In season 3 of Ladies Fixing the World, host Cecilie Conrad is joined by longtime unschooling voices Sandra Dodd and Sue Elvis to explore unschooling as a lifestyle.

Rozdziały

1. Parenting and Judgment in Education (00:00:00)

2. Unschooling and Education Regulations (00:08:52)

3. Why a Family Journal is important (00:15:39)

4. Reflecting on Unschooling and Documentation (00:22:01)

5. The Importance of Reading Readiness (00:36:11)

6. Developing Reading Skills Naturally in Unschooling (00:49:50)

7. Parental Pressure and Learning Detriment (00:57:30)

8. Natural Learning Through Unschooling (01:03:10)

9. Navigating Parental Expectations and Unschooling (01:13:19)

10. Empowering Children Through Literature Choices (01:20:39)

11. Reading Preferences and Learning Styles (01:28:31)

12. Exploring Shakespearean Repetition in Enjoyment (01:43:54)

13. Repetition and Enjoyment in Activities (01:49:20)

14. The Importance of Rest (01:54:01)