I knew I wanted to be a teacher when, as part of a college class, I was supposed to volunteer at an elementary school in Seattle. But it wasn’t just any elementary school. The school was an alternative public school, practicing the Expeditionary Learning approach to education. Stepping into that school changed my whole life. My time there taught me how magical learning could be. I saw first graders studying glass through all subject areas, visiting local glass blowers and learning geometry by … [Read more...]
Choosing the Right School (Or No School At All)
When I was teaching kindergarten, every fall parents would come and tour our school to decide if they would choose to send their child there. Week after week I would sit with them during recess and different groups of parents would ask the same questions: Do kindergarteners get homework? Do they have time for free play? How do you resolve conflicts? Now that my daughter is entering kindergarten in the fall, I’ve been on the other side of these tours. I’ve been visiting local schools and … [Read more...]
Curiosity Forever #8: Why Being Differently-Wired Isn’t a Deficit
Debbie Reber, founder of TiLT Parenting, talks with Kevin & Lily about parenting differently-wired children, homeschooling in Amsterdam, and the need to change people's thinking about learning differences. To learn more about Debbie’s work, visit TiltParenting.com. Be sure to check out the TiLT Parenting podcast too! The Curiosity Forever theme song is written & performed by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs of Bouquet. … [Read more...]