Monday, August 20, 2007

What if ... we allowed everyone to dance to their own tune?

With Randee's last post about "teaching them to dance" and knowing what a beautiful thing that can be literally I found myself pondering it more figuratively in regards to home schooling my children.

I have been planning out the new school year and decided to do things differently this year by allowing my children to learn about the things they are interested in. For our curriculum to be more interest-led then teacher-led as we all have different skills, talents, interests and passions.

This year my kids have actively been involved in the planning of this new years curriculum and I have to say just with this one change of focus it has made a ton of difference. My kids are much more excited about this new year then they had been in the past two years since they will be learning things that are of interest to them. Making it much more fun and enjoyable for them to learn and do the basics of reading, writing and math.

What if ... we allowed everyone to dance to their own tune?

The pressure to perform as others do would definitely be lifted from us.

4 comments:

Anne said...

Lori, we all love to learn things we're passionate about, don't we? I think it's great that your children are participating in designing their curriculum for this year. How much of a reward it will seem for them to be able to choose studies they regard as desserts! Hopefully too it will make it that much more enjoyable for you as teacher.

I know my youngest son told me recently that if he didn't have his filmmaking class he'd just drop out of high school. And then he said, Well, not really, but I can't imagine not having those classes to go to. Hopefully the courses he loves will help motivate him to succeed in the ones he's not so crazy about. :) Best of luck with this new adventure in homeschooling!

Randee said...

What a great thing you are doing, Lori. To sum it up: You are creating an opportunity for Selena and Lorenzo to take ownership in their education.

Keep us posted on the "progress" this year. Allow me to speak blessings over you and your children this year.

You're such an inspiration to me. I'll never forget your encouragement.

Dianne said...

I just stumbled upon your blog tonight and LOVE it. I'm adding it to my sidebar...and I WILL be back!

Randee said...

Diane,

Allow me to give you a warm welcome to The What If...? Women blog.

We're so glad you stumbled into us! Thanks for the link.

Love and Blessings,
Randee of the Pink Collar Club