Have you heard of Dilts Logical Levels of Change? If you plan on homeschooling your children, then Dilts Pyramid is an important concept to be aware of. I’ll explain what this pyramid represents and how homeschoolers can use it as a method for deschooling.
First, what the heck is deschooling?
The transition from school to homeschooling can be a challenge for both parents and children. For years the school system has been the default, and understanding how things will now be different takes time, patience, and trust in oneself. With gentle encouragement and honest reflection, new homeschooling parents and children can eventually adjust to their new lives. This slow and important process is known as deschooling.
To learn even more about deschooling, check out How to Deschool: A Quick Guide for New Homeschoolers.
Okay, so what is Dilts Pyramid?
Robert Dilts is an author and consultant in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a personal development strategy used by many life coaches and self-help gurus. He helped create the “Pyramid of Logical Levels of Change,” a diagram that maps out how we can affect change regarding any given problem or outlook. The model is often used in corporate settings to improve leadership or the culture of an organization, but it has many other applications.
The model consists of a pyramid with six levels, representing a different aspect of who we are. Simply put, it’s a tool that we can use to view our lives through different lenses. This model gives us a powerful insight into how our thoughts, actions, and the outcomes we receive are all connected.
Tip 1: The model can be interpreted in different ways depending on what you are trying to achieve.
Tip 2: A change in the lower level won’t always change the upper level, but a change in the upper level will always make changes in the lower level.
Tip 3: It’s also important to note that the upper levels require higher-level thinking skills than lower levels.
What are the 6 Levels of Dilts Pyramid?
Environment (the where)
The environment is the location of where the behaviors occur. It can have an affect on how a person reacts.
Behavior (the what)
Behavior is simply what you do or say. It’s your action or reaction in a particular environment.
Capability (the how)
Skills are used to create change and guide your behavior in a particular situation.
Beliefs (the why)
Your convictions and values are the reason why you have certain behaviors. They can either be instrumental or detrimental to your abilities and behaviors.
Identity (the who)
Identity is who you are and your self-worth. It includes your passions and your drive.
Vision (the what’s next)
Your goals and mission are what leads this level.
Now, why should I use this model when deschooling?
Dilts Logical Levels of Change will help you analyze your views on education and learning and enable you to make actionable changes at the fundamental level.
How exactly do I apply it to deschooling?
There are many ways you can apply Dilts Pyramid to help you analyze your homeschool, and below are two examples of how you can use it from the bottom level up and top to bottom to guide you through your deschooling process.
From Bottom to Top
Environment
Reflect on your home environment. Describe what it looks and feels like. What is the vibe?
Behavior
Reflect on your actions. How do you handle fidgety or resistant children? How does your behavior impact your kids?
Capability
Reflect on your skills. What is your teaching style? What skills can you improve upon? What challenges you as an educator?
Beliefs
Reflect on your values. Why did you choose to homeschool your child? What is important about your role as a home educator? What might get in the way of homeschooling success?
Identity
Reflect on yourself. How would you describe yourself as a home educator? What do you want to accomplish?
Vision
Reflect on the future. What is your mission or goal in regards to homeschooling?
From Top to Bottom
Vision
Reflect on the future. What type of homeschool do you want?
Identity
Reflect on yourself. What kind of home educator would you need to be to make it happen? What do you need to change to become that person?
Beliefs
Reflect on your values. Why do you think it’s important to become this type of home educator? What differences will it make in your child’s education?
Capability
Reflect on your skills. What do you need to learn to be an effective home educator? How could you develop these skills? What existing teaching skills can you utilize?
Behavior
Reflect on your behavior. What habits do you need to develop to make it happen? Which ones do you need to break?
Environment
Reflect on your home environment. Describe what your homeschool will look and feel like. What is the vibe?
Final thoughts
Using the Dilts Logical Levels of Change to help you deschool can get pretty deep, but if you’ve taken the leap to homeschool, you’re prepared to do so. I would love to hear from you if you found this blog post helpful; please feel free to comment below.
What are your thoughts on the Dilts Pyramid? Did it help you deschool in any way?
Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and sometimes purveyor of vintage goods. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.
