Text Sue what you think!

You might not think so—especially if your own experience with Shakespeare involved interpreting metaphors, writing sonnets, or slogging through line-by-line analysis.

But unschoolers?
They get to explore Shakespeare in ways that feel natural, creative, and even fun.
Especially this week on Talk Like Shakespeare Day (April 23rd)

In this Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast episode, I’ll share how families bring Shakespeare into their lives without schoolifying it. We’ll talk about:

• The real subjects kids are tapping into (language, history, psychology, and more)
• Where Shakespeare still shows up in our movies, memes, and everyday phrases
• How unschoolers connect with timeless characters and stories—without tests or textbooks

You’ll also hear about some of the more playful ways kids engage with Shakespeare: emoji matching games, Elizabethan Translator tools, and crafting insults that would make the Bard himself chuckle. I truly think Shakespeare would’ve loved this unschooling approach!

All the links are at the blogpost:
Unschoolers Learn Shakespeare Without Curriculum

_______________________________________

🎁 Grab your free Emoji - Shakespeare Phrases Game PDF with modern phrases straight from his plays— here's the link:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/666a0ee18a

Perfect for Talk Like Shakespeare Day (April 23!) or anytime your family wants to dive into literature with a little less pressure and a lot more play.

_______________________________________

Strewing Calendar
If you're looking for fun reminders of celebrations throughout the month (like Talk like Shakespeare Day!), this inexpensive tool will give you printable calendars, weekly resource links, and a private portal that connects each day with the learning objectives that weave through. We've done all the work for you - you AND the kids are going to love it!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

______________

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

FREE PDF BELOW!

Worried your child might not be learning without traditional schoolwork or curriculum? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

Whether you're new to unschooling or just hitting a moment of doubt, I’m sharing 5 real-life ways to know your child is learning—without needing tests, worksheets, or a structured curriculum.

These simple, practical tips will help you spot learning as it naturally unfolds through 

• Conversations
• Curiosity
• Creativity
• Real-world experiences

You’ll learn how to shift your perspective and recognize the learning that’s already happening all around you.

✨ Don’t miss the free printable worksheet I created to go with this episode!
Use it to reflect on what learning looks like in your home—month by month.

🎁 Download the free PDF worksheet here:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/e0e55ba151

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

Unschooling by Subjects? 
Spring Reveals the Learning You Didn’t Expect!

Are you a homeschooling parent wondering how unschoolers cover subjects like language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine arts—without a curriculum?
Or maybe you're unschooling but you're not sure you're doing enough.
You’re not alone!

In this episode, we’re diving into real-life examples of how traditional school subjects show up naturally during the spring season.

If you’ve ever asked:

• "What about the core subjects?"
• "How will my child learn math or writing without a curriculum?"
• "Can we still cover what they 'need' in an unschooling lifestyle?"

…this episode is for you.

We’ll explore:
✅ How springtime activities naturally invite learning
✅ Subject-by-subject ideas for language arts, math, science, social studies, and the arts
✅ How to recognize real learning in everyday moments
✅ Why letting go of rigid schooling structures opens up more meaningful education

PLUS: I’ll tell you how to grab the brand-new Spring Unschooling Guide, filled with ideas sorted by subject, spring holidays, links, games, and journaling pages to help you document the learning unfolding in your home.

✨ Whether you’re new to unschooling or trying to trust the process more deeply, this episode will reassure you that YES—your kids are learning. Right now. All around you.

🛒 Get the Spring Unschooling Guide 
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Spring

💌  Save 25% if you're an email subscriber!
Here's the link for the subscribing to the email list:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/49e159063f


🎉 Join our Creating Confidence Membership and the Spring Guide will be waiting for you inside the membership portal!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

March 14th—Pi Day—is this week, and if you’re new to homeschooling or unschooling, you may not realize that it’s a bit of a quintessential homeschool holiday! But why? And how can you celebrate it in a way that feels fun (and not too schooly)?

Let's dive into the history of Pi Day, why it became a thing, and—of course—ways to celebrate it with your kids. From baking pies (because Pi) to fun trivia, quirky math connections, and even Pi-themed scavenger hunts, there are so many ways to turn this day into a lighthearted learning opportunity. And if math makes you cringe? Don’t worry—I’ll also help you reframe some of that old math anxiety so you can enjoy the fun, too.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🥧 Why Pi Day even exists & how it all started at a museum retreat!)
📏 The simple explanation of Pi 
🎉 Fun and easy ways to celebrate—whether your kids are into math or just want pie!
📲 How social media has embraced Pi Day (and where to find the best Pi memes)
📺 Fun Pi-related videos, movies, and books to check out
🍕 How to make Pi Day your own—without making it feel like school

Whether you go all out with Pi-ku (Haiku, but for Pi) or just eat pizza for dinner, there are so many ways to join in the fun. And if your kids are rolling their eyes? That’s okay, too! Unschooling is all about making connections—and Pi Day is just one more way to do that.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Links for this Podcast Transcript (music, movies, scientists, etc.!)
🔗Pi Day Reality Check - If Pi Day's a flop (with 100+ memes!)
🔗 Strewing Calendar
🔗 Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum

Join the Conversation!
Tag me on social media if you and your kids do anything fun for Pi Day—I’d love to see! 🎉 Instagram  Facebook. Pinterest <- specific Pi Day Board

👉 Subscribe

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

One of the biggest shifts for unschooling parents is moving away from directing learning and stepping into the subtle but powerful art of noticing. Instead of orchestrating every next step, we learn to pay attention—to what excites our child, what sparks their curiosity, and how they naturally engage with the world.

This shift is what makes true self-directed, interest-based learning possible. It’s not about following a prescribed curriculum but about recognizing that your child is already learning naturally, and trusting that process.

Turns out, unschooling parents have picked up some secrets from stage managers—who knew?
Just like a great stage manager works behind the scenes to create the perfect conditions for a performance, unschooling parents learn that their role isn’t to direct every move but to notice, anticipate, and support. The real magic happens not in controlling the scene, but in tuning in to what’s unfolding naturally—anticipating and adjusting, providing resources, and trusting that the star of the show (your child!) is already learning in their own way.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
 ✨ Why Noticing is more powerful than Directing
✨ How tuning in—rather than taking charge—leads to deeper learning & individualization
✨ How to support natural learning and curiosity without pushing or orchestrating
✨ How small shifts in your parenting role can make unschooling feel easier and be more effective

🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: Want to strengthen your Noticing skills? Grab the Noticing & Individualization Worksheet—a simple, journal-style page to help you practice this essential unschooling mindset shift!

👉 Download your FREE PDF here:
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/388b7b9244

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Join our Unschooling Membership for Virtual Park Days, Moms’ Nights Out, and real-time connection with parents who are embracing this shift.

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

Traditional homeschooling can be so overwhelming!
And most of us don't realize we have options... until we're nearly in homeschool burnout!

That's what I want to talk with you about this week.
 
If your homeschool life needs a change, my suggestion is to learn more about unschooling. It's not as crazy as you may have heard.
It's the natural way humans learn!
And you get to skip all the anxiety and power struggles that are baked into that school approach!

When you chose to homeschool, you wanted more freedom. Let's get back to that! You may need a little help figuring out how to unlearn all that conditioning from your own school experience - and maybe even what you've heard in the homeschooling communities or from social media.

Here's where to start:
✔️ Listen to the podcast
✔️ Sign up for the emails
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe
✔️ Subscribe to the YouTube channel
 http://www.YouTube.com/c/UnschoolingMom2Mom
...and be the first to know when my FREE Mini-Course SPECIFICALLY for switching from homeschooling to unschooling is ready! (should be in March 2025)

If you want to dive deeper, I'm sharing nearly30 years of homeschooling and unschooling experience to help you get onto steadier ground.
I can help you set up your own DIY program with a private coaching call:
http://www.suepatterson.as.me

Or you can join a community of unschooling parents in the Membership group where we're about to start Virtual Park Days and Moms' Nights Out!
You'll find so many benefits to be in this group - let's grow your confidence!
http://www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com/Membership

More Links (mentioned in the Podcast) here at the website:
Unschooling Mom2Mom: Can We Talk?

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

Are you feeling overwhelmed and second-guessing your decision to unschool?
Do you wonder if you're doing enough or if your lack of structure means you're failing your kids? 
Maybe you're having trouble finding confidence in Unschooling?

You are NOT alone!

In this episode, I’ll reassure you that these feelings are completely normal—and help you shift your mindset to embrace the freedom and connection that unschooling offers.

We’ll talk about:
✔ Why societal pressure makes moms doubt themselves
✔ How to break free from old expectations and trust your parenting instincts
✔ Why your kids don’t need a rigid schedule to thrive
✔ How to create a rhythm that works for your unique family
✔ The power of listening and connecting deeply with your children

PLUS: A Special Birthday Surprise! 🎉
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Birthday-Flash-Sale

This Thursday, I’m celebrating my birthday with a flash sale on my private unschooling membership! If you've been thinking about joining a supportive community of like-minded parents, this is your chance to get in at a reduced price.

Homeschooled Teens Book: 75 Young People Speak About Their Lives WITHOUT School 

🔗 Tune in now and start feeling more confident in your unschooling journey!
Read the Transcript at the blogpost

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

If you're uncertain about unschooling or wondering if you’re doing enough?
You’re not alone!

That’s why I’ve created The First Friday Freebie—a special monthly resource designed to help you gain confidence, build new habits, and make unschooling feel more natural.

📢 February’s Freebie:
The Weekly Unschooling Confidence Checklist! 🎉
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe

This simple, DIY Unschooling Workout page helps you:
✅ Plan your week with confidence-building habits
✅ Focus on connecting with your kids
✅ Build deschooling knowledge, find support, and prioritize self-care
✅ Identify and overcome fears that might be holding you back

🔹 Grab your free Weekly Confidence Checklist here: 

In this episode, I’ll share:
✨ Why planning weekly helps you feel more at ease with unschooling
✨ The four key focus areas that make the biggest impact on confidence
✨ How to tackle common fears and obstacles that often hold parents back
✨ A peek inside the membership community, where all my best unschooling resources are streamlined and easy to find—so you never feel lost in information overload.

👉 Sign up now to get this month’s First Friday Freebie: 
https://unschooling-mom2mom.kit.com/96512ee8fe

You don’t have to figure this all out alone.
Let’s create some new habits to make unschooling lighter, more joyful, and full of possibilities—one step at a time.

READ THE TRANSCRIPT at the blog
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/unschool-freebie-friday

#Unschooling #FirstFridayFreebie #HomeschoolHelp #Deschooling #UnschoolingConfidence

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

Let Go of the Lesson Plans: Embracing Real-Life Learning This Winter!

If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond a rigid curriculum and embrace more real-life, curiosity-led learning, this episode is for you. Winter is the perfect time to ease into a new approach, where everyday moments become opportunities for discovery and connection.

This week, I'm sharing practical ways to use the season as a natural framework for learning. From exploring science in snowy activities to cozy storytelling that nurtures creativity, I’ll show you how to reframe “school” into something joyful and meaningful—even for those who feel unsure about leaving traditional methods behind.

💡 Need more help bringing this vision to life?

❄️ The Winter Seasonal Unschooling Guide is packed with hands-on activities, real-world connections, and ideas for making learning flow naturally—no textbooks required! Get yours now and see how easy it can be to lean into the magic of winter.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Seasonal-Unschooling-Guide-Winter

Strewing Calendar
If you like the idea of holidays and a month full of celebrations - you'll find so many learning opportunities in the Strewing Calendar subscription. At less than $5/month, it's a steal!
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/strewing-calendars

Unschooling 101 - On Sale in January!
https://suepatterson-unschooling.thinkific.com/courses/Unschooling101
Get the step-by-step strategy to start unschooling right away!

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

Text Sue what you think!

“If I can just get them to read, I’ll finally relax.”
Sound familiar? So many parents feel the pressure to make reading happen now, especially when schools label kids as "behind" as early as first grade.

But here’s the truth: reading is NOT the Holy Grail of learning. It’s just one of many ways kids grow and explore the world. In this episode, I’ll help you reframe the reading timeline and explore how learning happens in countless other ways—even before (or without) fluent reading.

You’ll discover:
✅ Why reading milestones aren’t as rigid or essential as they seem
✅ How unschooling gives kids the freedom to learn on their own timeline
✅ Practical ideas to create a literacy-rich environment without the pressure

🎧 Listen now and discover how unschooling helps your child learn without rigid timelines.

Mentioned Resources:
📘 The Reading Guide – Creative ideas to build a literacy-rich environment without the stress.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Learning-to-Read

🌟 Everything Counts – A guide to spotting and celebrating learning in all its forms.
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/product/Everything-Counts-Ebook

🖥️ Go to the Blog - Read the transcript
https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/reading-is-not-the-holy-grail

Support the show

_____________________________________________________

As always, reach out if you need help figuring out how unschooling can work for your family!
You don't have to do this alone!

Free Email List with weekly unschooling resources

Like what you're hearing? Want to buy Sue a cup of coffee?
Now you can!
Buy Me a Coffee

• Creating Confidence Membership Group
  Podcast listeners can join without the sign up fee - so use this link!
• UNSCHOOLING 101 Course
• Math WITHOUT Curriculum Course
• Unschooling Transcript Course
• Seasonal Unschooling Guides
• Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue

www.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com