Over Christmas, my family and I watched It's a Wonderful Life. Me, for the millionth time, my youngest for the first (at least the first that she could understand a tiny bit of). How can I be watching something and simultaneously have so many other pictures and memories of other Christmases flashing through my mind? … Continue reading What are your favorite New Year’s traditions?
3 Reasons why kids hate writing
I grew up a huge baseball fan. I watched it on tv, listened to games on the radio until way past my bedtime (because I was convinced that if I turned it off, I would jinx my Yankees), I visited the ballpark multiple times a year. I grew up hearing stories of my dad’s baseball … Continue reading 3 Reasons why kids hate writing
Reaping a harvest of delighted readers
Think of something your parents taught you as a child that you have felt (or would feel) confident teaching your own children. Maybe how to do the laundry or to cook an egg; how to knit; how to brush your teeth; how to throw a baseball; how to ride a bike; how to drive a … Continue reading Reaping a harvest of delighted readers
How do branding and marketing impact our everyday decisions?
[This post is part of our "Curriculum of Questions" series]. Are we really free to choose which products we buy? Which medicines we take? What clothes we wear? What technology we invest in? Which products we clean our homes with? This big picture question is intended to get us thinking about the daily choices we … Continue reading How do branding and marketing impact our everyday decisions?
Is Fashion Important to Society?
[This post is part of our "Curriculum of Questions" series] This week we are heading to the Victoria and Albert Museum to take a look at the world of fashion! When I asked the kids if they thought fashion was important to society, the answers ranged from one extreme to the other. “Yes, of course! … Continue reading Is Fashion Important to Society?
A Curriculum That Will Ensure Life-Long Learning
In the US, one of the first questions asked in a homeschool conversation is, “What curriculum do you use?” In the UK, I think I’ve maybe been asked twice if I use a curriculum at all. A curriculum is essentially a course of study that prescribes specific learning outcomes for a specific-aged child. But is … Continue reading A Curriculum That Will Ensure Life-Long Learning
Home Education (Part 2): 16 reasons it might be the best alternative for your child
Click here to read part 1 of this article. All the educational experts agree that our current educational system is simply not preparing our children for living in a 21st century world. With institutional reform being tied up in money, politics, testing, and school boards, it is time to take our children’s education into our … Continue reading Home Education (Part 2): 16 reasons it might be the best alternative for your child
Home Education: A growing alternative
[Author's note on how to read this post: I suggest you read this post at least twice: The first time, just read straight through without following any of the links. Then, when you have time, to go back and follow a few (or all) of the links. If you are like me, this will lead … Continue reading Home Education: A growing alternative
What is education for?
Take a moment to think about it... What is the purpose of education? Why do we need to be educated? Don’t read on until you have your answer. Got it? Ok, keep reading. There was a time when the purpose of education was to learn “stuff”. We needed a way to preserve knowledge. Like … Continue reading What is education for?
The secret to getting your kids to fall in love with learning (or at least not complain as much as they used to)
In one word: Autonomy. That’s it. Give your child control over his learning. Ok, don’t freak out. I can just hear some of you. You don’t know my child. If I give him an inch when it comes to his work, he will do anything BUT what he’s supposed to do! Yep. Mine too. But … Continue reading The secret to getting your kids to fall in love with learning (or at least not complain as much as they used to)
