For the parents out there struggling with various aspects of #learning (not necessarily schooling!) during pandemics time, you might find it interesting to think about the differences between " #homeschooling" , " #deschooling" and " #unschooling." All of these involve learning,

but they differ in the degree of prescriptiveness. Here's the thing about learning: there's no single magic solution that works for all learners, and under all circumstances. A robust literature on "unschooling" suggests that some really thrive...

and others need more conventional approaches. Many of you are doing a version of "unschooling" right now - learning without a lesson plan in place. I think you might find some solace in this controversial classic by John Taylor Gatto. https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~abatko/interests/teaching/essays/Against_Schools/?fbclid=IwAR1nC50RcqEEe7OIjc2ERM8SMjco8pZx7QiQ-J6cW5UphKVLqoIOWILOWN4

What, you may ask, are potential unschooling curricula? Think the #curriculum of life! For example, what are kids learning about health and hygiene? About life around the home? ...

Are they learning math through graphs, though measurements (maybe they're making sourdough starters and breads, and doubling or halving the recipe?)? About the role and social value of caregiving? All kinds of things! ...

Here's also an interesting feminist classic, "A Broom of One's Own" that might shed some light on learning that tends to be marginalized (as Raila says after undertaking certain jobs at an advanced age, ... https://www.utne.com/community/abroomofonesown

"And you know what I learned? All the stuff that I had always dismissed as stupid housework was actually quite complicated. There are also systems and rules for doing it well––and they are not obvious, nor are they being taught anywhere.")