Imagine if we took a whole heap of different plants as seedlings and planted them in the same soil under the same conditions. We have root plants and flowers, weeds and vines, delicate orchids and hardy succulents, and so on.
Some would thrive, sure. Many would do fair to good but never reach their potential. Many too would be utterly ruined… stunted and barely recognisable as the amazing plants and growers they could be.
Some would compete too much for the resources and make it harder for the others. Some would do better surrounded by plants similar to them and specific companion plants.
Imagine then if we tested these plants and judged them based on their ability to adapt to these conditions alone. Then the powers that be assumed that these plants had some kind of growth deficiency.
Some plants need space. Some need a lot more time. Some need tons of guidance, others are better left alone. Some seem dormant then burst alive. Some thrive but still have deficiencies.
Many have a lot more going on under the surface. Some of them have surprisingly large amounts of growth where we cannot see.
Now replace ‘plants’ with ‘children’ and ‘growth’ with ‘learning’. This is how school treats children.
Humans are not meant to learn the same thing at the same time in the same way. Bulk institutionalised education as we know it is not what our children deserve.
Thank you for reading!
You can find us on Facebook and Instagram for more unschooling and parenting inspiration.
Leave a Reply