What a wonderful essay to start of my morning Patrick ! You masterfully integrate your themes, even getting Mr. Gradgrind in there (huge Dickens fan). I have been organizing homeschool co-ops for more than a decade, focusing on providing hands-on learning as well as rigorous academics. For this fall we are planning on integrating basic 'survival skills' that various parents can offer, including canning, cooking/baking, woodworking, electrical wiring, and preparing for a ham radio license. The most intense experience that our students had last year was learning to process a deer. It had been hit by a car in our neighbourhood early in the morning, and another homeschool friend was able to collect it, drop it at a nearby farm, rally all the homeschool kids, and get an experienced hunter from our church to instruct the kids in gutting, skinning, and cutting meat portions. Truly memorable and a rare rite of passage.
I love this, Patrick! So aligned with my understanding as a former Early Childhood Education professional. The most current philosophies I am familiar with include the "Reggio Emilia" approach and "Project Approach". Both would populate your forest of synthesis well.
What a wonderful essay to start of my morning Patrick ! You masterfully integrate your themes, even getting Mr. Gradgrind in there (huge Dickens fan). I have been organizing homeschool co-ops for more than a decade, focusing on providing hands-on learning as well as rigorous academics. For this fall we are planning on integrating basic 'survival skills' that various parents can offer, including canning, cooking/baking, woodworking, electrical wiring, and preparing for a ham radio license. The most intense experience that our students had last year was learning to process a deer. It had been hit by a car in our neighbourhood early in the morning, and another homeschool friend was able to collect it, drop it at a nearby farm, rally all the homeschool kids, and get an experienced hunter from our church to instruct the kids in gutting, skinning, and cutting meat portions. Truly memorable and a rare rite of passage.
Looking forward to reading more of your writing!
Thank you Ruth--and very glad to hear about the survival skills integration! Those are fortunate children.
Not just ideas about the thing but the thing itself!
I love this, Patrick! So aligned with my understanding as a former Early Childhood Education professional. The most current philosophies I am familiar with include the "Reggio Emilia" approach and "Project Approach". Both would populate your forest of synthesis well.