![]() Homeschool Learning Plans |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Barcode Free EducationA friend of mine is participating in a 'barcode free' diet for a month. The Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) came up with the idea: it's a challenge to consume whole foods only for 30 days. She said their definition of a whole food "is any item of food or drink that doesn't carry a bar code, other than spring water and any nutritional or herb supplements. So, they're suggesting no canned food, processed bread or cheese, no milk unless raw, no ready-made meals or sauces, no cordials, no fizzy drinks." In other words, something completely unprocessed. Which got me thinking, what if we did the same with home education? Spend a month not using anything that has been created for the purpose of education; that is, created with the intention of teaching someone something. I think it would be a lot harder than it sounds. In an extreme version, as home educating parents, we'd need to clear our minds of that constant clatter to take advantage of whatever resource or opportunity that crops up that could help our children learn whatever it is we're currently keen on them learning. But perhaps it would really only require us to spend some time being creative and imaginative, using natural materials and everyday opportunities to explain what we mean, illustrate a concept or point, work through problems and answer questions without reaching for a book, worksheet, instructions, a guide, or the internet? Little children learn this way naturally every day. They learn by doing. And while they are doing they are thinking and reflecting and observing. Observing themselves as learners as well as observing everything else that's happening as they are doing. They trust in their ability to learn and do. And they're happy to express their frustration and to demand help -- and to express their frustration when the help they need isn't delivered quickly enough or in the appropriate manner! Motivation to learn is high in those early years. Perhaps that's because everything is still raw... wholesome and holistic, unprocessed. Ready to be experienced by the senses without too much interference from what others think is right or best or appropriate for them. Little children love to roam and explore and often ignore our attempts to direcd them to the gadgets, toys and items we think are best for them! Could a 'barcode free' experiment over a week or a month be a short cut to understanding and experiencing the joys of unschooling? Or an experiment that helps along the deschooling process? I say, it's definitely worth a try! |
Browse our comprehensive library of articles!
Looking for support, reassurance and information? Join Beverley's
The Educating Parents Homeschooling and Unschooling Facebook
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The information on this website is of a general nature only and is not intended as personal or professional advice. This site merges and incorporates 'Homeschool Australia' and 'Unschool Australia'.
The opinions and articles included on this website are not necessarily those of Beverley Paine, The Educating Parent and April Jermey Always Learning Books, nor do they endorse or recommend products listed in contributed articles, pages, or advertisements on pages within this website.
Without revenue from advertising by educational suppliers and Google Ads we could not continue to provide information to home educators. Please support us by letting our advertisers know that you found them on The Educating Parent. Thanks!
Affiliate links are used on this site that take you to products or services outside of this site. Beverley Paine The Educating Parent and April Jermey Always Learning Books assume no responsibility for those purchases or returns of products or services as a result of using these affiliate links. Please review products and services completely prior to purchasing through these links. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question before purchasing or signing up.
Text and images on this site © All Rights Reserved 1999-2025