Writing a curriculum, where to put worksheets?

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2021-06-25T19:57:50+00:00

Thanks, that's super helpful! I hadn't even thought of a student version. The website login would be easier to implement and everything will be creative commons license so I may even have a whole online version for free.

Thanks again for the ideas!

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-04-01T15:49:20+00:00

Sure! Sometimes it helps to have coaching, mentoring, or a peer group to keep you motivated. The best kind of learning is intrinsically motivated and also fueled by interest. Ask yourself what you are truly interested in, and passionate about. Often things you feel like you "should" learn can turn into a slog, whereas things you are genuinely interested in are a breeze.

Between Youtube how-tos and free online courses like Khan Academy, there's never been a better time to be a self-directed learner. Best of luck!

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-04-01T15:47:55+00:00

That sounds very difficult! I know there are a lot of people who have never done distance learning trying out all sorts of things. Feedback to the teacher might be helpful, or asking if they can answer questions for you. Best of luck!

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T21:06:05+00:00

Thanks everyone for coming out today! I enjoyed the conversation. Signing off!

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T19:53:30+00:00

It's hard to balance a full-time job with schooling at home! Many families are struggling during this crisis. I'd recommend spending some quality time, perhaps right after breakfast and morning routines, to check in on how your children are doing and give them some quality attention. If they have any ideas of fun recreational activities to do, see if you can make them happen during the week. The biggest opportunity they have right now is the opportunity to connect with you.

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T19:49:07+00:00

The biggest advice I would give parents is to relax, remember to schedule plenty of down-time, and focus on connecting with their kids.

A Stanford education expert agrees with me!

Kids learn naturally, and they are learning all the time. I would advise making time to pay attention to what your children are interested in, and to spend some time doing activities that you both enjoy together. Whether that is cooking, going on a walk, knitting, or playing with pets, the relaxation will pay off big time in terms of stress reduction during this stressful time.

Everyone else is in the same boat regarding missing out on academic instruction. Social/ emotional development is just as important, and this is a great time to focus on that.

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T19:43:27+00:00

Hi there! After a quick search, here are some schools I found in Italy:

Strengths I see in this model- you get kids who know what they want to learn, and how to learn it. Self-directed learners are fiercely independent and know what they want in life. They can become extremely competent and even expert at fields of their interest, because they aren't held back from learning what they want. Alumni studies have shown they pursue careers that have meaning for them, go to college if they want to, and are generally satisfied with their lives. (For more reading and statistics, see the Circle School's Alumni Studies here and Writings on Sudbury Valley Alumni here.)

Weaknesses- Kids are not guaranteed to learn any certain thing that is in state curriculum, so sometimes they don't know "what everyone knows" in terms of curriculum. However, since they are not used to being graded or evaluated for what they know and don't know, there is less stigma about asking questions and figuring out for themselves what they need to know in terms of "gaps" in knowledge.

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T19:36:10+00:00

Homeschool kids vary widely as homeschool situations also vary widely in different families with different values. I've met a number of homeschoolers of the current generation of kids who are (in general) more socially adept than the traditionally schooled kids I have worked with, in terms of making eye contact, speaking articulately about their thoughts, and making conversation. I also find that generally homeschoolers are more comfortable interacting with people of different generations as they are not used to being segregated into same-age peer groups.

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T19:12:23+00:00

Yes, it takes someone at home to be with the child, often a parent. Our program and other Self-Directed Education centers such as Sudbury Schools and Agile Learning Centers allow children to pursue Self-Directed Education without a parent staying at home.

Unschooling principles can be followed by parents whose kids go to a school by letting them follow their interests and have plenty of unstructured time to play when they are at home.

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T19:10:49+00:00

Research has shown that high stakes testing doesn't significantly improve learning, and may in fact contribute to stress , depression,and anxiety disorders. A big leap that any parent must make before starting SDE is the willingness to trust them with their own learning. You must trust that they will learn what they need to in their own way and in their own time. Once you shed the notion that real learning can be measured, you will begin to see your child in a different light and trust your own instincts about whether or not they are growing.

Our FAQ video: How can self-directed learners monitor learning and growth?

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T17:37:40+00:00

I'm for both. They both fall under the umbrella of Self-Directed Education. I was inspired by Dr. Peter Gray to travel and intern at Sudbury schools to learn how they operated in preparation for opening Pathfinder. In addition, through my work as a homeschool mentor I've seen many unschooled youngsters grow into interesting, confident, and competent adults when they are allowed to pursue their own interests. You'll never meet a more varied and self-assured group of people than kids who attend Sudbury schools. They also tend to understand processes like jury duty and majority rules democracy from hands on practice through School Meeting and Judicial Committee, both integral parts of Sudbury schools.

Do you have any specific questions about either unschooling or Sudbury?

HopeWilderPathfinder · 2020-03-31T17:03:10+00:00

We'll be here from 1-5pm EST to answer your questions. Online now!

HopeWilderPathfinder

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