A lesson about learning

This is what happens when we are on holiday!

C is reading a book about the human body which is supposed to be for when we start school again and S is engrossed in a secret project that involves paint and a glue gun.

S called out to me "Hey Mom, this is like homeschool!"  Except they are on holiday and this is all self-initiated.  If I had asked C to learn about the human body and asked Sam to make whatever he is making there probably would have been groaning and dragging feet and the "work" done as quickly as possible to just get it finished.  

In the midst of all my planning for the term ahead, choosing Maths and Writing programmes and all the questioning and thought that goes into that, it makes me stop and think how to ensure that I am not stifling this natural curiousity and creativity with workbooks and worksheets.

While the boys were busy, I prepared supper while listening to this:

I loved what Sir Robinson had to say about the unknown future we are preparing our children for and how we need change our mindset about education to best prepare them for adulthood.  What also struck me is how all countries rate subjects in order of importance in much the same way, with Maths and Languages being at the top and creativity and the Arts at the bottom, if at all.  If those are not your strengths or talents, then they shouldn't be at the top of the list.  I am not saying they are not important or useful, but honestly - unless you are going into a career where advanced Maths is needed or required for further study surely it is more beneficial to the child to cover the basics and then allow them to focus on their own strengths and allow those to develop rather than the tears, coercion and frustration that normally go with a maths lesson?  Why do I even always start the day with Maths because that's what we did at school?  Maybe I should begin our day with something creative and inspiring and see if that makes a difference.

I want to give the boys time and space to explore, to find their own unique talents and creativity and help them to develop and express them.  To do that, I need to change my classroom mentality and find ways to create an environment in which they are inspired and nurtured.