We recognize that parents and guardians know their child’s needs best and may have clear ideas as to the types of learning activities that would facilitate their growth and development. A number of SelfDesign parents and guardians share their insights about how they view and approach their role of supporting their children’s learning.
Imposter syndrome. skepticism and fear of judgement are often the biggest challenges parents face when deciding to homeschool their kids. Lori Bender is one of these parents. She felt insecure in her ability and unsure of what her children were supposed to be learning for their age groups. It caused her to question whether home learning would be the right decision for her family. Luckily, her friend with an older son had taken the leap, giving Lori the opportunity to observe and ask questions before making her final decision. She dove into homeschooling shortly after, and years later, she’s still overjoyed with her choice.
To help support families and educators as they make the shift to SelfDesign’s unique approach to learning, we offer a guided, interactive online course that explores the SelfDesign philosophy in the practice of their daily family lives.
The BC Ministry of Education and Child care has invited SelfDesign Learning Community to continue the process to become a virtual school hub, or independent provincial online learning school (POLS–Independent).
All of our BC certified educators advise, guide, mentor and support learners and families through the learning process, but their titles vary. Here is a quick guide to the different kinds of educators our learners and families may work with at SelfDesign.
Being actively curious about others is key in creating relationship. In this second article in our series about SelfDesign philosophy, we delve into what “being curious” means and how asking questions challenges our assumptions, leads to learning, and helps us develop the wisdom that comes from honouring multiple views even if we may not agree with them.
Awareness of past, present and future is vital in daily life. In this first article in our series about SelfDesign philosophy, we delve into what “being present” means and how improving our conscious awareness of the present can help us in our relationships, including with our children and with learners.
As your kids continue growing - along with their love of creating - so can the stockpile of art filling your home. Understandably, artists of all ages can feel attached to their creations, and getting rid of art can be difficult. Instead of throwing away old masterpieces, HLN Guide Amber Santos shares a few fantastic ideas for recycling art while honouring artistic hard work and keeping the creative spark alive!
We’re launching a series about SelfDesign’s philosophy. Join us here on the blog over the coming learning year to explore the elements that make up our philosophy, can help us create a ‘way of being’, and can also assist in how we can choose to parent.
Say hello to Tanya! She’s not only a HomeLearners Network Guide, she’s been an educator for 26 years! She enjoys being a Guide at HomeLearners Network because it’s such an inclusive, supportive and imaginative space for children and youth to discover their passions and connect. Tanya started her journey as an educator in the Cowichan Valley School District as a classroom and learning support teacher. She’s also run her own tutoring business and has worked with SelfDesign Learning Foundation since 2009.
