Back to Basics: What is De-Schooling??
- Jennifer Conn
- May 26
- 4 min read
So you’ve just pulled your child out of public school…
You’re excited. Nervous.
Maybe even a little overwhelmed by the freedom of it all.
Now what?
Or maybe things just aren't feeling they way you imagined they would?
Kids are not responding well. You're stressed about progress.
There are way more tears than learning going on for the majority of your days.
What can you do?
Take a deep breath...you've got this!! Over on my local homeschool social group, something got brought up yesterday that got me thinking I needed to definitely add it to our 'Back to Basics' Series...it is a simple, powerful step that often gets skipped: De-Schooling.
So let's chat about it!!
✨ “Children learn from anything and everything they see. They learn wherever they are, not just in special learning places." — John Holt
🌿 What Is De-Schooling?
De-schooling is the intentional period of unlearning the structure and mindset of traditional schooling — for both your child and YOU.
It’s not the same as homeschooling.
Think of it as the bridge between school and home education — a time of detoxing from bells, tests, and external expectations.
Your child may need time to rediscover what it feels like to learn for the joy of learning — not for grades, rewards, or fear of failure.
And honestly? You probably need that same reset, too.
🕊️ Why De-School at All?
When you pull your child from public school, their brains (and hearts) are often still wired for that system — schedules, comparison, and permission.
--> De-schooling gives everyone time to breathe.
To rest.
--> To remember that learning doesn’t only happen at a desk.
We are all LIVING LIFE, so we need to learn as we do life!
--> This time allows your family to reconnect, rebuild trust, and rediscover curiosity.
It’s your chance to say, “Okay, who are we — really — when we’re not doing school the traditional way?”
When we use our freedom of choice to do what lights our imaginations on fire...chase our interests down many different paths...THAT is when the journey becomes one ongoing adventure.
--> Maybe hearts need healed. Especially if you are needing to bring your child home because of something happening in their schooling space that has been hurtful to their spirit. You know your child best. If they are not thriving, give them what they need. A traditional school setting isn't a perfect model; one size really doesn't fit all. But YOU have the power to create a learning environment that is tailor made for your child and your family's way of life. A safe space for being who they are... who you ALL are!
☀️ What De-Schooling Can Look Like
There’s no official “rulebook” for de-schooling — and that’s kind of the point.
Here are some gentle ideas to get you started:
Long walks together. Talk, wonder out loud, collect leaves or ideas.
Read aloud time. Choose books you both enjoy — novels, picture books, even cookbooks.
Library trips with no agenda. Let everyone wander, explore, and check out what speaks to them.
Art days and creativity breaks. Painting, building, baking, doodling — it’s all learning.
Family time. Board games, movies, picnics, hiking, gardening, volunteering — all the moments that build connection.
Exploration days. Follow an interest or a question — “How is chocolate made?” “What do clouds do?” — and just see where it leads.
The goal?
Not structure. Not standards.
Just space.
Space for curiosity to come back to life.
🌸 For When You’re Already Homeschooling
Here’s the best part — de-schooling isn’t just for new homeschoolers.
Maybe you’ve been homeschooling for years but something feels… off.
The spark’s dimmed, the kids are resisting, or you’re feeling burned out.
That’s your cue to reset.
Call it de-schooling, call it an adjustment week, call it a “family refresh” — whatever fits.
Take a week or two to return to your baseline — that calm place where learning feels natural and connection comes first.
Then start again, with renewed energy and direction.
🌼 Why It’s Helpful — For Kids and Parents
🌿 For Kids:
It releases pressure and rebuilds their natural curiosity.
It helps them recover from burnout or negative school experiences.
It gives them time to reconnect with their own pace, interests, and confidence.
☕ For Parents:
It softens that “school-at-home” mindset we all accidentally fall into.
It helps you see your child’s learning style more clearly.
It reminds you that you are learning too — how to trust, slow down, and embrace this lifestyle fully.
💫 The Heart of It All
De-schooling is less about “taking a break” and more about coming home — to your child, to yourself, and to a slower, more intentional way of learning.
It can happen when you’re just starting out, when you need a mid-year reset, or even as a yearly ritual before diving into a new season of homeschooling.
This is where you jump in with both feet and truly embrace the full lifestyle that is homeschooling.
Not just education at home — but learning as life itself.
📌Just a Last Reminder
De-schooling isn't wasted time; it's sacred space for growth to begin again.
So take a breath, pour another cup of coffee, and give yourself permission to slow down...just for a bit!
You're NOT falling behind -- you're finding your rhythm.
There is NO "right" way to de-school. Just create days filled with connection, discovery, and a little more breathing room for everyone. Ones that will resonate with YOUR unique family.
You've got this! I believe in YOU!
☕ Stay Connected
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