UNSCHOOL

UNSCHOOL —The Educational Practice of Li Mu, Zhi’en, and Zhang Fang

What is Unschooling? Some translate it as “free learning,” while others describe it as a form of homeschooling. I believe neither of these translations or explanations is entirely accurate, because Unschooling involves not only learning through real-life experiences without textbooks but also an act of non-conformity against the educational system.

Zhi’en has been learning and living as an Unschooler for two years now. Before that, he attended an alternative school—one outside the conventional system. Once the novelty of school wore off, he began to show signs of discomfort with the school system. After a period of struggle, he decided to leave school and live life at his own pace.

As Zhi’en’s parents, Zhang Fang and I are not his teachers, but simply companions and supporters. The three of us live together, travel together, and work on projects together. At the same time, we are also observers and learners of our child. Two books have had a profound impact on me. One is Summerhill (UK, A.S. Neill), which convinced me of the importance of freedom for children; the other is How Children Learn (US, John Holt), through which I realized that learning is a child’s innate nature and instinct, and that all we can do is avoid destroying it.

It is not difficult to criticize the current educational system; the real challenge lies in putting the educational principles we believe in into practice in our own way. When these principles are applied to specific people and actions, there are no longer any fixed benchmarks, making it hard to judge right from wrong. It is like a lone boat sailing on the open sea—the course is corrected through constant adjustments as it drifts off course.

Zhi’en’s learning has no textbooks and no subjects. It simply follows his interests. Over the past two years, his main interests have been: 1. Boats. He is fascinated by boats: he reads boat-related literature, draws boats, makes LEGO boats, builds ships in the game “Minecraft,” and even crafts boats in real life; 2. Wilderness living. He loves nature and the wilderness; he reads Robinson Crusoe and watches survival documentaries. During an art residency, he designed and built a log cabin in the mountains, then invited me to live there with him.

Real unschooling life is not as consistently exciting as the exhibits we present; rather, it is more mundane and ordinary, interspersed with hesitation and wandering, helplessness and perseverance. Just like being in nature, it may seem refreshing and delightful, but in reality, it harbors hidden dangers and crises, requiring us to tread carefully with every step.

This is not an art project with a clear deadline, nor can it be objectively documented and presented. Fortunately, intentionally or unintentionally, some fragments and traces have been left behind to showcase and share. Nor is this a template for education, for every child and family is so different. Perhaps all we can do is see the children, see ourselves, and present another possibility.

Li Mu April 10, 2026