Week 15 Cont...: What Does Deschooling Look Like?

A Practical Guide by Age and Stage

Deschooling sounds good in theory. But what does it actually look like when you’re living it?

That’s what we’re diving into today.

Because the deschooling process doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens in real homes, with real families—toddlers at your feet, teens rolling their eyes, and you wondering if you’re doing enough.

So let’s talk about what this transition looks like by age group, and how to make the most of this important pause.

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For Toddlers and Preschoolers

Many parents ask: “Do I need to deschool this age?”

Technically? Not always. But if your child has been in daycare or structured pre-K, or you’re transitioning out of early childhood programs, the answer might be yes.

What it can look like:

• Letting go of the idea that “more structure = more learning”

• Focusing on play, conversation, and connection over formal lessons

• Not rushing into phonics, early writing, or rigid routines

• Giving them space to just be home with you—and letting that be enough

What helps:

• Loose, comforting rhythms (morning walk, play, storytime, rest)

• Invitations to explore, not lessons to complete

• Reassurance to yourself that learning is still happening

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For Early Elementary (Ages 5–8)

This is a key window for deschooling, especially for kids leaving kindergarten, first, or second grade.

What it can look like:

• Resistance to anything that feels like “school”

• Big emotions, clinginess, or boredom as structure shifts

• Rediscovering interests they didn’t have time for

• Needing lots of physical play and one-on-one time

What helps:

• Short, daily “connection rituals” (like a walk, game, or story)

• Space to direct their own time without being entertained

• Slowing down enough to observe how they learn best

Let them “come down” from the school mindset before building anything new.