Unschooling Journal – Sep 23-29: Observing For Learning

Final Week in Korea

This past week, Ethan attended the 20th anniversary of his preschool/kindergarten. The school was a special place for our family, as we made many good friends and it was the place that inspired us to continue looking for alternative forms of education for Ethan.

The school is a community school, one that is managed by the parents. The school’s philosophy is based on teaching children social skills and communication skills, rather than on academics. For Korea, that’s a big deal.

So Ethan attended the school’s ceremony and festivities together with Dong Eun. They had a great time.

They also went to the southwestern part of Korea, to a place called Mokpo to visit one of Dong Eun’s best friends. They stayed in a hotel designed like a traditional Korean house. Mokpo is near the ocean so I’m sure they enjoyed being near the water again.

Ethan is kind of looking forward to coming home because he’s having such a great time in Korea. 

I think that ultimately, this trip was about reconnecting with his roots and the place that also helped shape a large part of who he is.

In between all of the above, Ethan also made a new video to demonstrate some new functions he discovered on his computer.

LC Response

I bet finding an alternative community preschool which focused on social skills rather than academics is a rare in Korea. I can see how meaningful all of his relationships are there. It is really special that he could be a part of the 20 year anniversary!

He is a prodigy and great success story of these early influences. I wonder if he shared his personal educational journey with friends, teachers and families and what they think. I would be curious to hear how he explains his schooling to others. He is so passionate and engaged, it is infectious.  maybe someday he will write up a small follow up bio for the school?