We inspire parents to raise confident, emotionally healthy children, empower them to create personalized learning experiences and ultimately see them build amazing relationships with their kids that last a lifetime!
It all counts as learning
|
Hi Reader! You know the phrase we as homeschoolers hear all the time, “It all counts as learning.” (and I often say!) It’s comforting. But sometimes it can feel a little vague. Does it all count? And how? I want to be clear. Unstructured play absolutely has a place. Free exploration, boredom, imagination, tinkering without an agenda. That matters deeply. What this research article from the University of Cambridge helped me understand is something slightly different. It looks at guided play and how it can be just as effective as fully adult-led instruction when it comes to academic learning. This is not replacing free play. And it is not defaulting to formal lessons. It is that middle space where there is intention. The adult sets up a problem, a question, or a goal connected to an academic skill. Then the child explores within that structure. The adult supports, asks questions, and nudges thinking forward. That is what helps me make sense of “it all counts.” If you are trying to decide when to lean into play and when to lean into lessons, this article gives helpful clarity. Here’s the article: I would love to know what it sparks for you. Warmly, |
Homeschool Essentials
We inspire parents to raise confident, emotionally healthy children, empower them to create personalized learning experiences and ultimately see them build amazing relationships with their kids that last a lifetime!
Hi Reader! I've been deep in curriculum development as Director of GrowthMinded at Big Life Journal, and I meet weekly with parents at Bright & Quirky who are raising kids that learn differently. And the thing I hear over and over is this: they know their child learns differently. They just don't know what to do about it on a Tuesday morning when nothing is working. So I made you something. 👉 Download: Teach the Way They Learn — Your Free Guide LM Teach the Way They Learn.pdf It's a...
Hi Reader! I'm not sure if I ever told you this... But I really love being part of an in-person fiction book club. I mean, I really love it. There’s something about getting lost in a story throughout the month… and then sitting around a table with friends sharing dinner, laughter, and conversation that just fills me back up. In fact, here’s a little peek from one of our nights. Now, I know what you might be thinking… “That sounds nice… but I don’t have time for that.” And I get it. I’ve been...
Hi Reader! Okay, I have a little game for you today. Ready? Statement 1: The American public school system was modeled after a Prussian military strategy — designed to create obedient soldiers and compliant factory workers, not curious thinkers. Statement 2: Kids today need the exact same education that worked in 1816. Statement 3: The original system grouped children by age, sat them in rows, and rewarded memorization and compliance — because that's what factory owners needed from their...