Lifeschooling: An Overview-Part I
Philipp Friedrich von Hetsch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferdinand_Zeppelin_Familie.jpg
Help your child/student/self develop into a self-sufficient adult capable of achieving their goals and producing creative thought. (Note: This article is written for parents but also applies to teachers and individuals seeking to improve their knowledge.)
Natural Learning Many historical educators such as Maria Montessori and Charlotte Mason believed in creating a home setting which promotes your child’s learning. Montessori encouraged using natural open-ended toys (toys made of synthetic materials, required electricity/batteries, or restricted children’s play were frowned upon) at home. Parents were expected to limit any interference to their child’s play. In contrast, children under her care were taught how to care for themselves and their environment as early on as possible. Mason embedded nature study into her curriculum. She prescribed replacing textbooks with a plethora of narrative books designed to engage students in various academic subjects. Both women considered children as people rather than merely vessels to fill with knowledge. Parents provide their children the tools needed to uncover the mysteries around them, allowing their natural curiosity to guide them through exploration and experimentation. The children do not require a strict educational regime to discover the world around them. They learn when they are ready.
Discussions However, academic progression need not be a solitary trek. Instead of primarily being a vending machine that spews knowledge in exchange for menial tasks or a drill sergeant demanding sculpting your child’s mind into disciplined obedience, you are a seasoned vet of the trail known as life. You walk beside them, sharing wisdom gleaned from your own experiences. You seek to look at things anew, delving deeper to find further meaning you can impart to your child. You become a canvas where your child learns to articulate concepts along the way. Soon, they start to piece together their thoughts into a compelling speech like a jigsaw puzzle. Most children have rudimentary beliefs from a young age. The challenge lies in organizing these beliefs into a linear pattern so they include only and all the information they wish to share. Moreover, ordering their thoughts guides your child’s audience through their reasoning.
You can assist your child in developing their orating skills by frequently engaging them in conversation on a wide variety of subjects. At the end of each lesson, allow five to ten minutes to ask for their thoughts on what they have learned. Then actively listen to what they say. Ask open-ended questions and give specific feedback when appropriate to keep the conversation flowing. For example, “why did Robin Hood give what he stole to the poor?” or “multiplying three by four before adding eight makes me hopeful that you are well on your way to mastering the order of operations.” Pay attention to what they say rather than your next response. Keep conversations casual. Do not assign these discussions as assignments or reward/punish students based on what they say. Talking through mistakes will help your child understand better than telling them they are wrong. Finally, have fun. This is a time to bond with your child as much as it is to cultivate their academic and communication skills. Engage in regular dialog with your child. Who knows, they may surprise you.
Crafts/Projects Because it requires so many parts of the brain to work at once, hands-on projects are, in my humble opinion, some of the best methods to teach most subjects, especially the more practical ones like economics and health. I believe each child’s education ought to instill the skills they need to live independently. To do so they must be able create physical representations of newly-acquired knowledge. Sewing or playing piano are skills that can not be acquired solely by reading or watching others performing the task. They must be physically honed by the child themselves to be understood. Even academic skills are substantially boosted through the use of crafts. Something as simple as creating a necklace with five white beads, eight blue beads, and three grey beads teaches kindergartners about addition and color recognition through their sensory input (sight, touch, etc…) as well as through executive skills (problem-solving, creativity, etc…). Crafts need not be expensive. Use beads or beans you have lying around the house for math rather than buying counting bears. Drawing just takes a piece of paper and a writing utensil (pens, pencils, crayons…). Remember, the library is your friend when it comes to educating your student as well. Libraries usually have books/DVDs about various crafts, computers to find DIY videos, and a plethora of classes. Some libraries rent out items used in crafts like yarn/needles, plants/seeds, scrap-booking paper/stencils, cake pans, sewing kits, etc…
Incorporating crafts into a student’s education will familiarize them with a variety of tools, from paintbrushes to microscopes. They discover how scientists and historians employ these instruments to further humanity’s understanding of the world. Artists, writers, musicians, architects and others use the tools of their trade to design works of art. Entrepreneurs sell a wide range of handmade wares online, everything from crocheted socks to wooden furniture. Crafts allow kids to see where their interests take them and appreciate the effort necessary for some of these careers. Children learn how to solve problems, express themselves creativity, and collaborate during projects. These are skills highly prized by employers. Modern corporations want workers who don’t just follow orders but actively improve efficiency. These skills are necessary for creating a business as well. (Trust me, I have already needed all these three of these!) Being able to be creative, work with others, and fix issues when they arise are crucial to the well-being of personal relationships, too. Whether they are platonic, romantic, familial, or other relationships, the aforementioned abilities will allow your child to navigate these social connections, leading to better emotional health.
Part II coming soon…
