“I’m Bored!” As a mom, I have no problem dealing with this complaint. I can invite my child to accompany me in my task, assign them their own chores, or just send them outside to play. As a teacher in a classroom or homeschool however, it sometimes poses a bit of a problem. Sending everyone […]
At this point in the school year, everything feels new: new books, new lesson plans, perhaps new grade levels, and new students. Sometimes those fresh faces are the ones we are related to; even our own children can present unfamiliar challenges and seem to have become new people over the summer months. And then there
In part one of this series, we looked at relationship as a prerequisite to assessment. This friendship, whether between parent and child, teacher and student, or mentor and apprentice, can offer a rich environment for the cultivation of knowledge and skills, and ultimately wisdom and virtue. In part two, we considered the importance of response,
In part one of this series we looked at relationship as a prerequisite to assessment. In his book Norms and Nobility, David Hicks says “Knowledge – the activity of learning – gives teacher and student a common ground for friendship – while accentuating their unequal status.” This friendship, whether between parent and child, teacher and
When I first began teaching other people’s children, the thought of assessing their work filled me with no small amount of dread. Even back then, when it was simply known as “grading”, I became anxious at the thought of telling others that their work had, or had not, met the standard. Why oh why hadn’t
The Three R’s of Assessment: Part 1 – Relationship Read More »
It finally happened. I forgot. Sitting down to lead my last webinar of the year with my first class of graduating apprentices, I realized I was unprepared. Too many commitments, too many things on my schedule, and too much reliance upon my insufficient memory meant that not only had I forgotten to pack the text
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis
Dulce Domum: The Longing for Home in Literature (and Our Hearts) Read More »
“I want my child to be an independent learner.” While this sounds like an admirable goal, perhaps it’s time we rethink this. To the frustrated parent of the 12 year old, the one who – once again- forgot the homework and didn’t complete the assignment – please hear me when I say that what this
