Alternative Learning: Which Road To Choose?

Choosing the path of alternative learning often leads to being asked the question, “So you don’t do anything and just sit at home?”, but the answer is a clear no. Alternative learning explores so many new and exciting opportunities that one would be amazed  (in a good way 😉) if they learnt more about this unique and wholesome learning system. Alternative learning, difficult as it may be, is a journey that could change your thought process. In fact, alternative schooling itself has many branches and various ways of being done. This means that kids can learn according to their own preferences and needs. Interesting, is it not? 😀 

So, let's listen to some teens tell us about different types of alternative learning, while I show you snippets from my alternative learning journey!

Homeschooling

One of the most popular alternative learning systems would certainly be homeschooling. Giving you the best of both worlds (schooling and unschooling), homeschooling incorporates both: the schooling exams, as well as the freedom in unschooling. “Homeschooling mostly involves some sort of schooling, like studying at home. It generally has a bit more study pressure in comparison to unschooling”, 

Himani, who has been homeschooling for almost 10 years, shares her point of view.

“After I left school, I was only at home for 2-3 years, playing, exploring, and doing what I loved. That’s what alternative learning is; it allows you to be yourself, you don’t have to fit in.”

Isn’t it awesome how alternative schooling allows one to chase their dreams fully? It also allowed Himani to be part of the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) cricket team, that participates in the Ranji trophy!

A Sneak-peak into the alternative learning life: As an open learner, exploring my city is a must! We took a few of our homeschooling friends along with us to explore the streets of our city

Unschooling

“Not everyone can handle being Unschooled.”, claims Aadya, a thirteen-year-old unschooler who’s also a certified yoga teacher. And I completely agree with her. Unschooling is a risky path, yes, but like Mark Zuckerberg said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” Why is this a risk, you ask? Because, unlike Homeschooling, you aren’t following a study syllabus. Unlike farmschooling, you aren’t solely dedicated to farming. You are living on your own entirely free will. And that is a good risk. I asked Aadya about her opinion on unschooling, and she said,

”Many people ask me things like ‘Don’t you study? ‘How do you make friends?’ ‘Don’t you get bored?’. Yes, I study, but not in the way you imagine. My classroom is the world around me: libraries, museums, and real-life projects. I learn hands-on, not just by sitting at a desk. I make friends through hobbies, communities, events, etc. Friendships don’t only grow inside school walls. Do I get bored all day? Hardly. When you spend your time exploring what interests you, boredom has no place. So Unschooling doesn’t mean I’m not learning, in fact, I’m learning in ways that prepare me not just for tests, but for life.” 

What Aadya said really resonates with me, especially the sentence “Friendships don’t only grow inside school walls.” I guess she spoke on behalf of all of us Unschoolers!

Sneak-peak into the alternative learning life: We went to a forest in the middle of a city! Connecting with children of nearby rural villages helped us grow as people.

Farm schooling

It is quite possible that you’ve never heard of this form of alternative learning before, considering it’s so unique. Imagine, learning through nature and exploring your interests, both together, at the same time in life, and in the same place.

Jayvyn enjoys his entire day doing the same, tending to his animals, caring for his farm, baking, and so much more. He told me–” I make mistakes, I get dirty, I get tired–I also feel proud, because I’m learning things that I can actually use to survive and grow. Out here, patience isn’t a ‘lesson plan’, it’s what you need when crops take months to grow. I think each kind of schooling has its own place—whether it’s farmschooling, homeschooling, or regular school. The real question is, what do you really want from education? If it’s just about marks and certificates, then a regular school might do the job. But if you want to think for yourself, solve real-life problems, and be able to stand on your own, you need something that challenges you in the real world, not just theory. For me, farm schooling isn’t following a set path–it’s about building your own.” 

A Sneak-peak into the alternative learning life: I love to travel, and as an Unschooler, I have the entire time in the world. So every few months, me and my family set off to explore a new beautiful place!

Waldorf schooling

Waldorf is a unique system of schooling. It incorporates the concept of school (classrooms, teachers, uniforms, etc.) and the thought process of Unschooling. Waldorf is a more hands-on and practical way of schooling.

Jarvinya started going to Waldorf in kindergarten. Now, because her Waldorf school became a regular school, she has chosen the path of homeschooling. “Waldorf is a holistic way of schooling,” she says. “One of the major reasons why it differs from the traditional schooling method is that it really incorporates many aspects of our lives, in the sense that it gives equal priority to handwork, crochet, woodwork, crafting, etc, as much as it gives importance to science, math, languages, and outdoor experiences, and more. It’s designed in a way to cater to all. We don’t even have exams; we learn for the pure joy and curiosity. I think Waldorf has really developed me as a person. You remember the concepts for a lifetime. We don't even have those different aspects. The basic human needs are covered and taught. There is a certain kind of warmth and understanding and empathy developed in Waldorf schoolers and alternative learners; they really want to look out for the world, they really want to make good changes to the world. They are just very content in themselves.

A Sneak-peak into the alternative learning life: Every gathering deserves a meal 😜 So the entire Alternative Community of our city helped their selves to some yummy street food after exploring a practical science lab!

A Sneak-peak into the alternative learning life: One of our community events included playing outdoor games, kids and parents. What fun!

Written by Miraaya

By the way, I’m Miraaya, a teen unschooler. I’ve been Unschooling for 5 years along with my parents. I love reading, cooking, travelling, theatre, crochet, violin, and much more. My aim in life is to keep exploring and to be happy. I enjoyed writing this article a lot, and I hope you found it useful!

Thank you so much for reading this article! 🥰

Thanks – Jarvinya, Jay, Aadya & Himani 💗

Thanks, VND, for this opportunity! 😁