Developing your own ideas
Multitasking, in short, is not only not thinking, it impairs your ability to think. Thinking means concentrating on one thing long enough to develop an idea about it. Not learning other people’s ideas, or memorizing a body of information, however much those may sometimes be useful. Developing your own ideas. In short, thinking for yourself. — William Deresiewicz, Solitude and Leadership
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“The book spells out the different steps in implementing student-directed projects, and every chapter has an inspiring list of specific ideas/formats. My only complaint is I want more — I can’t wait to read what Pickert publishes next.”
“[A] must read for all parents and educators who are interested in raising/encouraging children to take charge of their education and make learning a lifestyle and not just a chore. This book is filled with practical advice…”
“There is so much practical, useful information in this book. … Pickert gives us the tools to be great mentors to our kids.”
“PBH actually assisted me in focusing on my own unique style and listening more closely to my own creative voice (as well as that of my children, and being less seduced by everything new and shiny when things lagged in our learning), not just as a parent, but as an individual. The positive impact that this focus has had in my personal and family life is profound.”
“I’ve noticed big changes in my child’s play since I began doing the things suggested, and I am utilizing it for my own projects!”
“In addition to teaching how to do project-based homeschooling it’s like a manual on how to live.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
“PBH is hands down my favorite book on homeschooling.”
“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
“Brilliantly written book, easy to read, easy to follow, well organised, stuffed full of easy to follow and idea-provoking tips for enjoying learning and supporting children of all ages. ... As a librarian and advocate of life long learning, I can’t tell you what a joy this book is to read — affirming, inspiring and practical.”
“Her writing style is really accessible, witty and flows beautifully; she paints a picture of a world you can’t help but want to be a part of. This isn’t a vague philosophy, this is a how-to book that empowers parents to empower their children.”
“For those new to homeschooling and even those such as myself, who have been homeschooling for years, this book will be the one you have on hand at all times. Easy to read, intelligent, heartfelt, inspiring and honest!”
“Wonderful resource! This will help every parent to keep their children’s love of learning alive. Project Based Homeschooling will be a favourite for years to come in our home.”
“It has been an inspiration to our homeschool and to our daily life.”
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“I can't recommend it highly enough.”
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“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
“[O]verflowing with ideas for any parent who’d like to encourage more self-directed learning in their kids.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
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“Anyone who considers themselves the ultimate guardian of their children’s education … will find ideas to think about and act upon.”
“[A] rare book that both inspired me to make changes in the way I homeschool and gave me the practical means to make them.”
“[T]his isn't just a homeschooling book. It is a guide to parenting.”
“What Pickert has done with her book is explain in an easy-to-read and practical manner what parents can do at home to ensure that children will take charge of their own education and gain essential skills. If that sounds far-fetched, I suggest you read the book.”
“There are only a handful of books that I can honestly say have changed my life. This … is one of those books.”
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7 comments
I've been think a lot abut your "slowing down" posts lately and I think this may be one of the cases where we really need to watch our children and use them as models. If they haven't gone through traditional school, like so many of us, they naturally follow things for a long time. It is our job to not be tempted to direct them to jump subjects or dictate what facts they need to know.
exactly. you can’t be following your children’s pace and respecting their ideas about what and how to learn if you are super-imposing a structure and a timetable.
we’re always coming from a place of fear when we try to spread things out for coverage (we’d better make sure we’re studying six subjects with equal time and enthusiasm...) and when we try to prod them to pick up the pace a bit (we’re spending too much time on this, we won’t get to everything...).
it takes courage to stop and really let things develop naturally and *see what really happens*. if we’re too busy trying to dictate the path, we don’t get to see where their path would take us. *so often*, it ends up achieving more coverage (folding in other subjects) and traveling so much further (digging in more deeply than you’d think a child would) -- and it does it *authentically*, from their motivation and their deep interest.
This applies to the workplace as well as education. My husband is always getting criticized for his inability to multitask. Why is it more respected to be able to do ten things at once poorly than to do one thing well? I believe it starts from that factory mentality of mindless busy work. If you aren't putting much thought into an activity, of course you can do several things at once. And yet it's economical because only one person has to be paid even if he does the work of three. I'm sure it would be even better if we could grow more limbs so we could accomplish even more without thinking! ;o)
Peace and Laughter!
Great post. So applicable in so many situations--not just children, but "real" life as well.
It seems "multi-tasking" is more of a catch-phrase businesses (and business schools) expected us to buy into 20 years ago as a way of staying more productive.
Productivity certainly doesn't equal creativity.
christina, there just seems to be a pervasive belief that busy = productive. not even busy, but busy-*looking*. that's why "supermoms" were those moms who "did it all", right?
high achievers might have a large number of interests and activities, but if they are really good at something, they aren't doing all those things simultaneously. concentration and focus has to be key to craftsmanship.
i remember an article a few years ago talking about how new, young workers expected to be able to listen to their ipods at work .. something that never would have flown before, but now is acceptable. another symptom of multi-tasking/lack of focus?
sally, ooh, nice. productivity doesn't equal creativity. i was just rereading an annie dillard book where she talks about how almost all writers take 2 to 5 years to write a book; she emphasizes that doing important creative work takes a *lot* of time.
re: multi-tasking on the job .. as cristina said, it's expected now that we take on a few more of our downsized coworkers' jobs without complaint .. just write up that memo while you make that call! there'll be a bill coming due for this later .. no way are we doing quality work under these conditions.
Good thoughts Lori.
I think I may have mentioned this before but I don't think our modern conveniences have nessesarily improved our lives on many levels. One must really focus and pick and choose! It is too easy to get caught up in doing too many things that should "just take a minute"... then the day is gone.
oh, i agree. (of course. ha!)
there are things that, done slowly and at home by ourselves, give more pleasure and make our lives better. we end up toiling to make money to purchase conveniences, after all. when sometimes we've cheated ourselves out of doing something that would have given us immense enjoyment.
so true, too, re: the "just a minute" things .. the internet is a giant time hole. not that i don't love it or use it often and to good effect, but it can so easily swallow whole hours in gulps.
it's important to make deliberate choices. and so easy to forget!
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