Yes, mom... apparently Ella can blog now. I didn't even know that she had posted that blog until today. I showed a few friends this site and saw it there. How in the world did she manage to find this site, get into the posting setting, and actually publish it? Hmmm....
I've been reading a lot recently about project-based learning. It fits right along with the unschooling philosophy and blends in nicely with the "interest-based learning" that I've been thinking about lately. If you want to read more then please check out: http://www.whiteoakschool.com/
Anna asked me today why weren't starting school like her friend is? I told her that I am changing my philosophy on education and kind of just bared my sould as to what I hope for her as a learner. I told her that I wanted to help her learn about what SHE wants to know, that I wanted to help her discover what she loves, that I wanted her to learn HOW to learn and to love learning. I talked with her in brief about this project based learning and her eyes lit up. Immediately she asks, "Mom... how do people make fabric?" Uh, what??? NOT the topic I would have chosen, but OK. Let's roll with it. SO, I say, "Great question! Let's find out! How do you think we could find an answer to that question?" Because the whole point of this is not that she find the answer, but that she learns HOW to find the answer... that she learns HOW to learn, how to discover, how to ask good questions, how to be resourceful, how to piece together information, how to think critically and logically. So the process is JUST as important (if not more so) then the end result. Anna says, "I don't know. Maybe we could go to the fabric store and ask them." My mind starts whirling. Fabric store- Joanne's. Does the lady making $6.50 an hour at Joanne's know how fabric is made? Will she look at us like we are CRAZY? Will she treat my sweet Anna nicely? Will she encourage her learning instead of discouraging her? Oh me oh my oh!
Well, we'll find out! Stay tuned!
Honestly, this whole approach is thrilling, exhilirating, and terrifying all at the same time! I don't know how in the heck it's all gonna go down:) But it's a thrill to take my daughter's hand, put my trust in her God-given natural ability to learn and be curious, and follow that wherever it leads.
I have to admit, though, that almost all of my fear is due to the fact that I was traditionally schooled and do not know education in any other light. Do I REALLY know how to learn myself? Do I LOVE learning? Do I still have a natural curiousity or has it been damaged beyond repair by years of being spoon fed knowledge? Do I know my own interests and passions? Do I really know myself? How can I help her discover herself if I don't even know me?
Perhaps this is the great journey! I am leading my daughter on a path to discovery and along the way, I have a feeling that I will be discovering myself!
Fun and Fear. That is what I feel right now!
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2 comments:
Read the blog. The concept sounds like a fantastic idea....a little to big for me at my age to wrap my head around, but I trust you.
I think here is my greatest fear....that you get started in this and other things will get in the way, other distractions. It seems like the parent in all this is crucial for it to work.
Please don't think I'm picking on you or judging you, or criticing you. We both just want what is the best for the girls. If you feel this is the best for the girls then I'm 100% behind it.
I want to hear all about what they're learning and how I might be able to help.
Stick to it and as they say on Project Runway...."make it work" (just wanted to make you smile with that stupid remark).
Forgot to ask. Did you make it in the top 50 commenters in the Camp Creek Club website?
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