The Unschooler's Educational Dictionary: A Lighthearted Introduction to the World of Education and Curriculum-Free Alternatives (Active Learning)

Harness the Power of Active Learning 

An exploration of the intricate world of formal education that will forever change how you think about your child’s school. From Jonas Koblin, creator of the popular educational YouTube channel Sprouts.

“A fantastic guide for one of the most important decisions we can make: choosing the right school for a child.” —Barbara Oakley, PhD, author of A Mind for Numbers

The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary is an unconventional guide that challenges traditional schooling norms, offering fresh insights grounded in learning science and child development theory—delivered with a delightful dose of wit, sarcasm, and captivating illustrations by Pascal Gaggelli.

Part One: Drawing from his own experiences as a truant turned serial entrepreneur, Koblin dissects all major learning theories and uncovers the unintended consequences of outdated educational methods. With thought-provoking and often humorous definitions like:

"Homework, n. A regular exercise that pushes privileged kids ahead of those from broken homes."

He invites readers to question why we teach children the way we do. This section is not just informative but also highly engaging, making you think, laugh, and reflect on the current state of education.

Part Two: Transitioning from critique to solution, the book provides a comprehensive guide to emerging education models. Explore a variety of innovative approaches such as Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Microschools, International Baccalaureate programs, and Unschooling. Each model is presented clearly, offering valuable insights for parents deciding on the best educational path for their child.

The book concludes with a practical checklist of essential questions to ask when choosing a school, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your child’s needs and your educational values.

Why Readers Love This Book:

• Engages: Hooks you from the very beginning.
• Illustrates: Features captivating artwork by Pascal Gaggelli.
• Challenges: Encourages critical thinking about traditional education systems.
• Educates: Serves as a comprehensive resource for new parents to understand the main concepts in child development, learning science, psychology, and various emerging education models.
• Inspires: Reflects the author's deep passion for children’s development throughout every page.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about modern educational practices, The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary offers a refreshing perspective that is both enlightening and enjoyable. 

If you enjoyed Learning How to Learn, Cribsheet, and Raising Good Humans, you’ll love The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary. Join the conversation and discover new possibilities for fostering a love of learning in every child.

Jonas Koblin was born in 1978 in Munich, Germany. He received a Waldorf school education and had a stint with FC Bayern. At the age of eleven, Koblin was invited to live with the then-richest family in America—an experience that taught him the good and bad sides of ultimate wealth.

After dropping out of high school, Koblin traveled to India, where he was confronted with real poverty. Age nineteen he then started a nonprofit and a series of charity events. By 2007, Koblin was juggling college and three companies simultaneously. After some commercial success (Madonna became a client), Koblin prioritized personal growth over commercial success and took a step back. He completed the Hoffman Process, met his wife and pursued his interest in education.

In 2016, Koblin began producing educational videos aimed at introducing aspiring educators to the social sciences. In 2020, he co-authored a lesson on Active Learning with Nobel Prize-winning physicist Carl Wieman, and in 2021, the Sprouts channel reached 1 million subscribers on YouTube. Today, Sprouts Schools' video lessons are available in over ten languages, viewed by millions of students each month, and are integrated into university curricula worldwide. In 2024, Jonas Koblin was awarded a prize for Best Open-Access Education by TREFF–the Education Film Festival in Tromsø, Norway.

Besides Sprouts Schools, Koblin also founded Mali, a virtual companion that has helped over hundred thousand new parents through the first 1,000 days of their child's life, and the Sprouts Kindergarten that is focusing on early project-based learning.

He lives in Bangkok with his wife and their three children.