Stacey Piercey has been an entrepreneur for over 15 years and a homeschool parent to 3 boys for over a decade. She is also the creator of Kids2Market, a program that teaches kids from ages 6-17 how to start a business with an idea they are passionate about.
Stacey learned about unschooling even before she had kids. While teaching at a University in China, she met a 9 year old self directed learner that captured her attention. His name was Matt. Matt and his mom moved to China for teaching work. At the time Matt was not yet reading, could not tell time and could not write. But he would build the most fascinating structures out of any material. And he spoke 3 different dialects of Chinese. His learning was self directed. His life had none of the influences of the traditional education system and its conceived beliefs. He was immersed in life learning.
Fast forward a few years to when Stacey starts her own family. She remembers her friend Matt. She and her husband agree to unschool.
Unschooling and Entrepreneurship
Have you ever noticed that many unschoolers become entrepreneurs? Or that many entrepreneurs are choosing to unschool?
In this episode Stacey and I delve into the parallels between unschooling and entrepreneurship. We the skills needed in entrepreneurship and how they are the same skills that unschoolers utilize in their daily lives. Skills like perseverance, resiliency, motivation, and critical thinking. We also explore how the harder parts of unschooling reflect entrepreneurship. The uncertainty, the peaks and valleys, the steep learning curves and the need for trust.
Do you have an interest in unschooling or supporting the entrepreneurial spirit? If so, then this is the episode for you.
Why is trust and self advocacy important in self directed learning?
Is there a common path that self directed learners follow?
What is the best way to support your child through unschooling? (hint~starting with the WHY)
Societal norms and expectations around learning
What if my child is a late reader?
How to best communicate with teachers if your unschooler decides to go to school
Why Kids2Market, her entrepreneurial program for kids helps them see that anything is possible
Her advice to parents that are just starting out on the self directing learning path
Definitions
If you are new to the podcast or the world of homeschooling or unschooling, here are a few definitions from this episode;
Strewing
In the Early Childhood world they use a similar term. An "Invitation to Learning". It is adding to or enriching your child's learning environment by scattering resources, items, books, materials to their space. Strewing invites or entices them to find out more.
Resources
Blake Boles ~College Without High School
My interview with Blake Boles http://imhomeschooling.com/self-directed-learning-blake-boles/
SMART goals https://www.smart-goals-guide.com/smart-goal.html
Kids2Market.com
Kids2Market podcast
If you would like to listen to more episodes about unschooling, check out my interview with Pam Laricchia http://imhomeschooling.com/hihtk-005-exploring-unschooling/ or Roya Dedeaux http://imhomeschooling.com/play-purpose-unschooling/
If you want to hear more about entrepreneurship and home education, you will love my interview with Jim Sheils http://imhomeschooling.com/episode-001-jim-sheils-how-one-entrepreneur-is-overturning-the-traditional-education-model/
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