We’ve just begun another semester of our home school study group. Again I have some very kind families who are joining me. We hope to share some ideas, concerns, and joys of natural learning as we go. Our first day is always interesting because, for most of us, it’s our first try at “observation.” I … [Read more…]
This week was our first official day of school, and it’s tradition that we start outdoors and together! We piled everyone into cars and trucks and headed up the canyon. The chill in the air reminded us that Fall is just around the corner as did the orange leaves nestled between the pine trees. In … [Read more…]
Renaissance: A Rebirth or Revival Renaissance Man: A person with many talents or areas of knowledge That’s our focus in Aspen Cooperative this year. It’s going to be an excellent time for the kids to dive into their individual talents and develop themselves. It also means I get to do the same. I can’t wait … [Read more…]
To celebrate summer’s closing moments we took a trip to Bear Lake where we watched the striking blues of the water, felt the sand in our toes (and in our car), ate gritty sandwiches, rode wave runners and taste tested lots of different raspberry shakes. Each morning when our youngest grandson woke up, he would … [Read more…]
Recently I held a Natural Learning Symposium in our area. It turned out to be a beautiful experience – and so I am hoping I can share a bit of it with you in such a way that you can feel some of the loveliness that I felt as we listened, learned and shared. We … [Read more…]
Some moms have asked how they can engage all ages of children so that they don’t feel as though the younger children are being neglected while mom is working with the older kids and vice versa. Here are my experiences. Start with prayer – personal prayer first; just you and Heavenly Father so that you … [Read more…]
My youngest daughter, Lexie, decided it would be fun to rent some paddle boards and go up to the lake for the day. She also rented a smaller board and kayak for the grand kids. My oldest grandson took to it like a fish to water, and it was only a matter of minutes before … [Read more…]
As I’ve mentioned before, I mentor students at Aspen Cooperative. We meet together twice a week and we have a basic curriculum that we use as a “jumping off point.” Recently I was asked to share my thought process as I come up with some ideas on a particular topic. Before proceeding I have to … [Read more…]
Summer! No more lesson plans or homework or schedules!! Instead we start to plan days at the park and family reunions. A trip to the beach or camping in the mountains top the list – also fresh fruit, farmer’s markets, extraordinary sunsets, and oh so much more! We somehow stop “schooling” and allow the children, … [Read more…]
Many of you wonderful moms are asking, “What should I be looking for with natural learning?” “How do I tell if it is working?” My first response is that natural learning is all about nurturing the imagination. As you observe your kids, make some notes of what they are really doing. When they are playing … [Read more…]