Building should come natural to us: Building each other up, building relationships, building compassion. We seem to be seeing a lot of tearing down, but that is not what we were made to do. There is so much light and goodness in this beautiful world. We have so much beauty inside of us. How are … [Read more…]
We hear an old Beatles song, smell cinnamon rolls baking, or see a tattered photograph, and immediately a memory washes over us. Our senses, especially the sense of smell and sound, help tie experiences and emotion together…So if we want our children to have beautiful experiences with learning, we need to ENGAGE THEIR SENSES! Taking … [Read more…]
I was canning with my sister yesterday – enjoying the memories of doing this with our mother – and I couldn’t help but think about raising our children. Each day adds to the growth of our children. It may consist of smiles or tears, doubts, successes, hard work, sacrifice, love, joy, and so much more. … [Read more…]
Give your children time to work through a challenge without rushing in to save them from it. It’s those hard things, when figured out, that gives them confidence in their own abilities. It allows their brain to work through a problem and come to a solution. It develops determination and character. It takes some patience … [Read more…]
Homeschooling happens around the table.…It’s where conversation flows, stories are shared, the day’s events unfold and we are nourished by one another through food and through thought. If you are looking for a place to start your home-school mornings, start around the table! Make some muffins or scramble some eggs together and listen to your … [Read more…]
Step Four: Review your Observations and take action. Write the ideas that come to you as you review your Observation Notebook. What patterns are you noticing? What is your gut telling you about your child? About your time with them? About who they are and how they thrive? Look for the large as well as … [Read more…]
The purpose for Observation is to be able to assist your children in finding those talents and activities that they are naturally drawn to. This makes it a lot easier to find a “curriculum” that works for each individual child. By curriculum I mean places, projects and learning that enhances who they are…their strengths … [Read more…]
SECOND STEP: A Firm Foundation Why, why, why? Your children are always asking you why? Now I want you to ask yourself. Why have you decided to home-school your children? Keep asking yourself until you can feel in your gut that you have gotten to the core reasons. It will likely take several attempts … [Read more…]
You made a decision to home-school. Now what? Slow the pace and get to know your children again. When you are with your children, be with them rather than thinking ahead to what you need to do, or looking back at what you should have done. Talk to them, listen to them – not with … [Read more…]
What a privilege it has been to author my new book – The Power of Natural Learning. I can’t wait to share it with you, so….. Please join me at the Farm – 1763 West 10300 South in Payson, Utah – for our Natural Learning Retreat – Thursday, September 20 and Friday, September 21. … [Read more…]