Meet Laura Coleman | Former educator turned unschooling mom, creator of Raising Twig and Bananas, and a champion for hands-on, interest-led learning that makes education fun and meaningful.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Coleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is, “Kids need structure to succeed” or that “Quality earning only takes place in a classroom.” Don’t get me wrong—structure can be helpful, but the idea that rigid schedules and standardized lessons are the golden ticket to success? Nope, not buying it. As an unschooling mom, I’ve seen firsthand that learning doesn’t always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 framework. Kids are natural learners—they’re curious, creative, and, honestly, a little unpredictable (in the best way).
Sometimes, the best “classroom” is a cozy couch with a stack of library books, or the backyard where they’re building an elaborate bug hotel. Kids thrive when they’re trusted to explore their interests, not when they’re forced to color inside the lines (literally and figuratively). Structure is great—for bridges and IKEA furniture instructions—but when it comes to raising lifelong learners, I’ll take a little chaos and a lot of curiosity any day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my journey as a teacher, full of passion and big dreams about making a difference in the classroom. But over time, I became disillusioned with the traditional education system. I saw too many kids struggling to fit into rigid structures that didn’t honor their unique strengths, interests, or learning styles. It broke my heart to see their natural curiosity dimmed by an environment more focused on test scores than fostering a love of learning.

That experience led me to homeschooling and eventually to unschooling—a complete shift in how I view education. Now, I create resources and content for homeschooling families, focused on hands-on, interest-led learning. What sets me apart is my commitment to helping parents see that education can be joyful, flexible, and deeply connected to their kids’ interests. I believe kids learn best when they feel seen, heard, and trusted to explore what excites them.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Letting go of traditional methods meant unlearning everything I thought I knew about teaching. It was challenging to trust the process, especially when it looked so different from what I was used to. But I overcame those challenges by diving into the unschooling community, embracing trial and error, and seeing how much my kids thrived when I stepped back and let them lead.

I’m most proud of the connection I’ve built with my kids and the impact I’m making by showing other families that learning can be fun, meaningful, and empowering. I want the world to know that my work is about helping parents reimagine education—not as a set of rules to follow but as a way to nurture lifelong learners and confident, curious kids. Raising Twig and Bananas is all about making that vision a reality for families everywhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a big question! If my best friend were visiting, we’d have an unforgettable week exploring the best of Metro Atlanta and beyond! Here’s what the week would look like:

Day 1: Downtown Atlanta Adventure
We’d start with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club for their delicious and filling breakfast. Then, we’d head to the Georgia Aquarium to see the whale sharks and manta rays. Lunch would be at Ponce City Market for a mix of bites from the food hall, followed by a stroll through Piedmont Park. For dinner, we’d hit Two Urban Licks for the cool vibes and delicious food.

Day 2: Black History and Culture
We’d begin with breakfast then dive into history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (although I think a portion of it is currently closed) and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Lunch would be at Slutty Vegan for a fun (and tasty!) experience. In the afternoon, we’d visit For Keeps Books, an amazing bookstore dedicated to rare and collectible Black literature and browse the shelves. We’d end the day with live music and great vibes at Apache Café.

Day 3: Outdoor Fun and Waterfalls
A short road trip would take us to Amicalola Falls for a hike with stunning waterfall views. We’d pack a picnic with goodies from Alon’s Bakery to enjoy in nature. Afterward, we’d swing by Poetry Fox Books in Dahlonega for some cozy bookstore browsing. Back in the city, dinner would be casual at Six Feet Under or , known for good seafood and rooftop views.

Days 4 and 5 would be for the spa and good time simply relaxing, drinking coffee, and reading.

Day 6: Kid-Friendly Fun
If kids were along for the ride, we’d spend the day at Zoo Atlanta or the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Lunch would be pizza at Antico. In the evening, we’d catch a movie or live show at The Fox Theatre—an Atlanta landmark that never disappoints.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! My shoutout goes to my kids first—they’re the reason I started unschooling, and they teach me every single day what it means to approach life with curiosity, creativity, and resilience. But I also have to give major credit to my husband, who’s been my rock through this wild unschooling adventure. He’s the first one to cheer on my big ideas and the last one to complain when the dining room table is covered in STEM projects. Also, the unschooling community deserves a nod for reminding me it’s okay to ditch the traditional path, and The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart gave me permission to make learning a joyful, life-filled adventure. So here’s to the kids, the husband, the books, and the unschooling tribe—my ultimate dream team!

Website: https://www.raisingtwigandbananas.com

Instagram: @raisingtwigandbananas

Facebook: @raisingtwigandbananas

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