[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)
One year-end assessment that your kids will be begging for!
Picture this: A principal at the beginning of the school year tells all his teachers: "This year, we will have no end-of-grade test. We will have no letters or numbers on our report cards. There will be no homework just for the sake of assigning homework. Instead of assessing what each student knows, you will … Continue reading One year-end assessment that your kids will be begging for!
How would you define the core of who your family is?
Greg and I have had the privilege of walking with over a dozen couples towards marriage through pre-marital counseling. From former basketball players, to former camp staff, we meet about 4 times in the months leading up to their wedding and try paint a realistic picture of what a thriving marriage looks like. When … Continue reading How would you define the core of who your family is?
Why do I have to learn this?
How many times did we say it over the years of our schooling? How many times have we heard our children or students say it? Why do I have to learn this? And how do we reply? You’ll need it for the test; you need it for your life; you'll need it for your transcript; for college; … Continue reading Why do I have to learn this?
How to climb into someone’s skin-a lesson on empathy
I sat in a chair like everyone else in the circle, but was different than everyone else. They shared their stories and I listened because there was nothing for me to say. They all connected. I was the outcast. It was about 8 years ago, and a friend had invited me to sit in on … Continue reading How to climb into someone’s skin-a lesson on empathy
The Power of a Good Question
“Mommy, why doesn’t the UPS truck come anymore? Do they still deliver packages?” What do you mean? “It was the Amazon Prime truck that delivered the last 2 times.” Oh I see. Why do you think Amazon would send an Amazon Prime truck to deliver their packages instead of UPS? “So they can get more … Continue reading The Power of a Good Question
The best thing you can teach your child
My daughter shared with some friends we had for dinner about the cupcake business she and her best friend started. A week earlier, they had set up a stand in front of the house and had made a small fortune (to them) selling the cupcakes. Our friends, wanting to encourage my daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit, said … Continue reading The best thing you can teach your child
Embracing the awkward conversation
Starting sometime in middle school, I began to understand the idea of social awkwardness (didn't we all?). There are a few people (you know them when you see them) who have reached adulthood and have yet to grasp the idea. My husband always jokes that he wishes he could be one of them because they … Continue reading Embracing the awkward conversation
