Observations on life and learning with my family of nine. Thinking "out loud" in writing is how I deal with my crazy life! My greatest hope is that my musings make sense to someone besides myself, and that through them you'll find comfort, joy, strength, a good laugh, inspiration, or whatever else you're needing. My passion is empowering others to see the genius and divinity within themselves, and others.
I've found another person to be inspired by. My daughter introduced me to him and his ideas on education through a You Tube video (I love it when my kids start teaching me!). Sir Ken Robinson, PhD has some thought provoking ideas on education. I already believed most of this, but I usually hear this kind of thing from homeschool proponents. His ideas on education are directed towards public education, but anyone involved in education can benefit. He's so brilliant I don't know why I hadn't heard of him before!
Take 10 minutes to watch this and see if you don't find yourself shaking your head in agreement. A lot. The talents of the RSA Animate makes it fun! Then check below for a book review.
Awesome, right? I think instinctively, most of us know this, but the "system" is what we've been raised on. I searched around and found that he's written a book called The Element, How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. It's not your typical, "follow your bliss" type of book. It's an amazing combination of personal development and education, two of my favorite subjects! It's at once a guide for finding your passions and best self, and a scathing review of our educational system. Color me happy!
He discusses his educational philosophies and how he thinks schools should start over, not just "reform". He discusses the importance of learning in a holistic way, where all the senses, modalities, and "intelligences" are engaged. We know that schools cater mostly to the linguistic and mathematical styles of learning, which leaves so many children feeling lost and sees many reach adulthood without ever having discovered that which they most love and excel at.
Robinson gives many real life examples of people's paths to happiness and success by finding and following their passions. He also shows the difficulties and obstacles that often stand in our way to doing so, specifically in the school systems and societal expectations that so many of us grew up with. As I shared in an earlier post, I'm struggling to find my passion; that Element where I belong. Rather than answers, it's given me more to ponder. In some cases, your Element and what you do to make a living aren't the same thing. You may do what's necessary to survive financially, and immerse yourself in those interests and passions outside of work hours. I'm stubborn though (not a surprise to some of you). I insist there must be a way for those things to meet in my life; passion and income. If only my passions were accounting, or grocery store clerk, or receptionist, you know? Life would be so simple then.
I've realized too, that I may be doing better than the public school system in helping my children discover their true gifts, but I'm failing in many ways too. As a product of that broken system, I of don't often think far enough outside of the educational box. I struggle to maintain enough of a schedule and routine so that I can manage a household of nine and all the grunt work that comes with it and keep my sanity (ok.... keep what's left of it), and still allow the flexibility my children need to indulge their interests and gifts to their fullest extent. With the number of kids, their age differences, and interest differences, I struggle to feel I can meet all their needs in that way. I've got a lot to think about over the holiday break! Watch it, read it, and tell me what you think!
Christmas is my favorite holiday, is it one of yours too? I love the music, the tree, the baking, and I love giving! I love making other people happy with something I can give them. Sometimes though, all that giving can either stretch the budget beyond repair, or become a little too focused on "stuff". For both reasons, I've gotten into the habit of making at least some of my gifts. It's more personal, they're usually unique, and people appreciate that YOU went into the gift and not just some cash.
I want my kids to appreciate heart felt gifts, and not only the price tag. I want them to know that they can give wonderful gifts without emptying the bank.
Are you done with your shopping already? If you are I'm SO jealous. I try every year to get done before December 1st, and I made a better effort this year. Not. Quite. Done. (shoot). I'm going to give a short list of ideas for gifts, and include plenty of websites so you can explore and find some great giving options.
1. grandparents love photos.... in frames, scrapbooked, mini albums to carry
2. homemade gifts baskets... ie, if you have a movie lover you can give some DVDs or gift certificate to a local theater along with some homemade treats to enjoy while watching, and some microwave popcorn
3. coupon books for free chores, dates, lessons for something you're good at and they want to learn, special services like back rubs, etc.
4. little kids love dress up... buy a box and fill it with dress up clothes and accessories (jewelry, hats, scarves) from Goodwill. It's a hit every time.
5. burn a CD mix of someone's favorite type of music
Ok, it's Martha... love her or hate her, she's got some brilliant ideas. Some of these are a little more pricey or may require a bit more skill than I can get my hands on, but it's well worth a look.
This site lists ideas by age. Have a 1-3 year old? She's got a whole list of inexpensive but well targeted things to give. It's where I decided what to give Chloe this year. She's also got ideas for Mom and Dad, so kids can get involved making things too.
Hopefully this has you thinking of some awesome gifts to make and give this year. If you have a favorite idea, let me know! We start "birthday season" in our house right after Christmas, so I'm always up for a great gift giving idea!
