My fiancé was raised in a household that embraced “unschooling,” which left her lacking foundational knowledge in many subjects. Despite this, she taught herself to read and is an avid reader with a strong understanding of literature, grammar, writing, and some modern philosophy. However, she has little to no background in math, civics, history, or science.
I’ve been encouraging her to pursue remedial education and possibly obtain her GED. While she finds the idea appealing, she feels overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Having never set foot in a classroom and having been taught from a young age not to trust teachers, she has since rejected those beliefs but still grapples with the emotional impact of her upbringing. It’s difficult because she is naturally curious and eager to learn.
If anyone has suggestions for resources or a basic plan, I would greatly appreciate it. The road ahead seems daunting, but it also feels incredibly important and potentially empowering. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
For the GED, I would try contacting some nearby adult education institutions. With classes being offered online, it is now easier than ever to study for and take topic exams at your leisure. The GED and diploma programmes are free in the state of California where I live.
Another option is to have her take the HiSet to earn a diploma, which she can pursue on her own time. Again, though, not all states have access to it.
It sounds like your fiancé is in a great position to overcome the challenges of her unschooling background. Her natural curiosity and love of learning are strong assets. Here are some resources and a plan to get her started on her educational journey:
Addressing Emotional Aspects
Unschooling Support Groups: Online communities specifically for those who were unschooled can be incredibly helpful. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be validating and provide emotional support.
Therapy: Consider seeking a therapist specializing in educational anxiety or working with adults who were unschooled. They can help her process past experiences and build confidence in a traditional learning environment.
Addressing Foundational Knowledge Gaps
Free Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera offer free courses in various subjects (math, civics, history, science) at different levels. They can be a great starting point to build a foundation and assess her current knowledge.
Community College or Adult Education Programs: Many community colleges and adult education programs offer affordable remedial courses and GED prep programs. They often have flexible schedules and cater to adult learners.
Tutoring: Consider one-on-one tutoring to address specific gaps or subjects she finds more challenging. Libraries and community colleges sometimes offer affordable tutoring services.
Building a Personalized Learning Plan
Interest-Based Learning: Since she enjoys reading and literature, explore ways to integrate these interests into other subjects. For example, historical fiction can be a gateway to learning about history, or science-based books can spark an interest in biology.
Project-Based Learning: Find ways to make learning interactive and engaging. Encourage her to pick topics she’s curious about and design projects to explore them (e.g., building a model solar system to learn about science or researching a historical figure).
Start Small and Celebrate Progress: Building new knowledge takes time. Encourage her to set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and focus on the joy of learning rather than just filling knowledge gaps.