Thoughts & Reflections
Consider jotting down a few notes, perhaps in a journal or notebook.
Whether or not you choose to use curriculum or structure your day, your child may benefit from some time in self-directed learning.
Self-directed learning presses on the intrinsically motivating levers of choice, connection and competence. Children have choice or autonomy over how they will spend their time and what they will do with it. Children have an opportunity to work on projects and ideas that matter to them and hold great personal meaning and connection. Additionally, kids can build incremental competence at their own pacing using methods of their choosing. Now, that's a recipe for forward momentum and enthusiastic progress.
Next week, we'll learn an easy method for making room for SDL, but in the meantime, start to think about these ideas:
- What are your child's values, goals and interests?
- In what ways does your child learn best or what kinds of activities seem the most exciting to your child?
- In what ways might your child benefit from chasing curiosities?
- What are some of your own curiosities? Note them in your mind as they come up for you.
- Practice giving your child autonomy and offering support without inserting yourself to instruct or handle the task yourself. This may work well if your child is working on a household chore or creative project, for example. Consider having resources, tools and information readily available for when your child asks for them. You may also want to be physically present in the room, but doing your own thing, depending on the age of your child and the level of energetic support that might be desired.
Feel free to review last week's recording on understanding SDL when learning at home.
https://www.boldschoolers.com/blog/self-directed-learning
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Enjoy!
xo
Laura
