What learning can be

As a parent right now, I would gladly give up a lot of the “knowing” that my kids are doing, a lot of the content that’s being crammed in their heads, in exchange for time spent on what learning can be at a time when they have 2 billion potential teachers at their fingertips. Do that, and they’ll find the content they need when they need it, but they’ll also then have a much better chance of carrying that seed of self-direction with them throughout their lives. — Will Richardson
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“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!”
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“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
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“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
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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.”
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4 comments
This quote makes me think of my nine-year-old yesterday. He got a copy of The Cartoon History of the Universe from the library for the first time (at the recommendation of his 19-year-old brother.) As I drove he said from the back seat--more than once--"This is *so* interesting!" And he explained the beginning of the universe to me in great detail.
As we got out of the car a few hours later, after I'd grocery shopped and he'd read at a table in the store, he announced, "I learned so much today!"
Guess he found the content he needed!
Right now almost my entire focus with my almost 4 year old is protecting that seed of self-direction. He is so curious, so inventive and I keep thinking if all I do is protect that in him, it might be enough. I am so grateful that my family does not need my outside paid work and I don't have to send him into a system that seems intent on killing curiosity and self-direction.
I think sometimes in our culture we confuse quantity with success. It isn't just in education, people are drawn to the biggest house, lots of shoes or whatever when we really feel better when we have what is quality and important to us as individuals. The same is true in learning we get more out of what is important to us rather than stuffing us full of unimportant facts.
patricia and anne, i somehow deleted my replies to you. i hope you got my e-mails. :)
stacey, yes. there's so much content coverage but so little understanding. and what percentage of kids' learning time is spent on things they really care about?
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