
The Family Unschoolers Network (FUN) provides "resources
and support to all homeschoolers regardless of educational
approach or religious belief". The well-organized web site
includes selected articles from the FUN Newsletter, a
homeschooling/unschooling FAQ, events listings, message boards,
and recommended resources. The web site also provides
information on a local Maryland support group, the North County
Home Educators.
The Network promotes a holistic approach to learning, based
on the principle that "learning can be fun for the whole
family". The FUN Bookstore offers well-selected books,
games, recordings, T-shirts, slings, and doll carriers. FUN
acquired John Holt's Bookstore on August 1, 2001. The FUN
newsletter has been changed to a smaller format, and is now
distributed to bookstore customers at no cost.
"What is Unschooling?" by Nancy and Billy Greer is
an exceptionally clear description of "learning as a
natural part of living". The engaging essay
"Heartbeat", by Shari Henry, offers an all-too-rare
look at the many benefits of unschooling that cannot be
"quantified, qualified, or neatly graphed or charted".
The excellent FAQ covers many common questions on preparation,
benefits, socialization, curricula, and suggestions for finding
other like-minded families. The humorous article "SAHD:
School at Home Disorder" is sure to be appreciated by many
unschooling families.
As the FUN Network mission statement states, the
"primary purpose in unschooling is to keep alive the spark
of curiosity and the natural love of learning with which all
children are born. We want our children to accept learning as a
natural part of living, and an ongoing process that continues
throughout life."
www.unschooling.org